The one constant in life is change, isn’t it? We can look forward to change as a learning tool and a growing opportunity. But there are changes we dread and it’s when we witness the decline and fragility of loved ones as we age. I often wonder what people see outside of my own self perception. Are they seeing my decline? Because, surely they are. It’s all part of life, but not the most welcome part.
We visited with my brother again today. We stopped at Walmart to get a new trimmer. After he played UNO with Mr. FixIt for about two hours or so, the game finally ended and I took Bubby outside to cut his hair and trim his beard. He looked like a new man. Staff and clients alike crowded around to watch and encourage him with whoops and hollers and whistles. I think he had a big time and I know he had to feel better when I was done.
Helping Bubby organize his room.
I showed him the planner we bought that fits in his fanny pack. It’s for keeping track of when he needs a haircut and a beard trim so we don’t get in this mess again. He’ll also add notes that the doctor will need to see during his visits. We went over to his house last evening at supper time and I went over the same thing with Lucy, the staff member who was working last night. I think we have a mutual understanding now of expectations and it always helps to have a name and a face with who you can communicate.
I came very close to crying when I left but I didn’t want to upset him. I cleaned up his phone and took some things off that he doesn’t use that may confuse him. He needs things very simple. We left him preparing to watch Star Trek…one of his favorite shows. Then we had to say goodbye till the next time. I doubt seriously if we’ll be back till September 2024, barring any unforeseen circumstances.
We stopped by my dear friend Judy’s house and visited with her and her husband. I hadn’t seen them in a long time. We were always stitching buddies and raised our babies together. Now the girls are in their thirties. It’s crazy how time has flown by. We don’t see old people when we look in each other’s eyes. We see the dearest of friends and we pick right up where we left off. Next time we come, we are going to get the old gang together and have a day of stitching and reminiscing.
As we were leaving, Judy said, “Hey! I’m getting rid of a lot of things. Do you want my smocking pleater?” Ohhhhh, heck yeah! That went into the truck so fast it would make your head spin! I love making smocked Christmas ornaments and we have a little that would look awfully cute in a smocked dress. There will be more babies down the road and GiGi can make stuff!
And that’s a wrap for the trip up to Glenwood Springs. We stayed in the Glenwood Canyon Resort campground. We have stayed here before. It’s close to town which is convenient. There’s a bike path and rafting. There’s a restaurant. There are tiny homes/cabins and camping spots for everything from tent campers to Sprinter vans, to the great big motor homes. Like I said yesterday, the sites down here by the river are cheaper so they aren’t very generous with the real estate. When we got back from town yesterday, the guy next to us was grilling directly beneath the window in our slide out. I closed the window right away, but not without a friendly greeting to the chef so he wouldn’t think I was miffed or anything.
We head to Denver this morning early so we can try to be there by noon. My sister-in-law and brother-in-law are coming from Salt Lake to see us. My nephew and his girlfriend will be here as well. So we’ll have another family gathering today. Prayers for safe travels today.
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“Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!”
Hebrews 13:1-2 NLT
#Brother, #Family, #Travel