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I know and understand in my mind what you are saying, but permit me to clarify: she is, and always will be, MY child. And her three children are MY grandchildren, although absolutely NONE of my DNA can be found in them. I did not raise ANOTHER'S child. I raised MY adopted child, along with...

Today is a very special day for Marie and me. Thirty-seven years ago today, we became the parents of a little girl who was born on 4 October. For ten weeks, she was a foster child of a couple from our church. When I held her for the first time, I never dreamed I would love anyone as much as I...

It is yet another quiet morning here in northern Illinois. No sudden surprises, no problems or difficulties, just a simple, relaxing morning. I did have a chiropractic appointment in Crystal Lake, but that was your basic “in-and-out.” The entire trip took me less than an hour, and Marie was...

The weather here today is grey and overcast...but surprisingly warm [currently 60°F outside]. The grey and overcast is kind of how I feel today. But those posts here on HBT and Facebook warm my heart. Thank you, thank you for your kind support! I am blessed to have such a huge support...

Marie has had a quiet, restful week. The last bout of vomiting was over a week ago. After discussing the situation with a dietician from the company that supplies the formula, I am simply shutting the pump off several times over the course of a day, to let her digestive system catch up with...

Today, I bottled my third batch of NB's "Bourbon Barrel Porter." And using NB's priming sugar calculator, I used 3.1oz if sugar, rather than the 5oz that can be ordered with the kit. Therefore, I used 40% LESS priming sugar, so I'm hoping that I don't get more bottle bombs. And if the...

Yesterday morning, I played organ for two worship services at one of our LCMS churches in Elgin, Illinois. Our second-oldest daughter...the one that just got married this past October...was home to care for Mom while I was gone. Well, she has become THE HEAD ELF in the Mahnke household! She...

Yesterday was not a good day. Something was "bothering" Marie's tummy, so while I was caring for her, she threw up, after also throwing up overnight. She slept most of yesterday, hopefully recovering from whatever was "bothering" her tummy. The doctor has proposed that the feeding pump be...

Other than therapists, CNA's and nurses, it's been rather quiet around here. I have become more prepared for the sudden surprises during a change/clean up. This morning, I had two surprises...and I was ready for both. I managed to move some of the stuff around so that the space for the...

Yesterday morning's first change was a disaster looking for a place to happen. This morning, I was much more prepared, and it went smoothly. I am getting quite good at changing the bottom sheet with Marie ON the bed!!! I have an issue with a mix-up on one of her important drugs, so I have...

Thanksgiving was a splendid time for my daughter, son-in-law and me to give thanks for so many things over the past four months. I was especially thankful to the skilled, loving, kind and helpful hospital and nursing home staff we dealt with over the days and weeks. Now, Marie has a doctor...

Thank you for your kind words. We will surely find many things to give thanks for today. The two turkeys are all thawed and cleaned, ready to be injected with marinade and deep-fried. Daughter is in charge of the green bean casserole; I'll take care of the elegant mashed potatoes and the...

Today's first change was simple and easy, compared to yesterday's. The things one learns in little steps along the way ultimate make a huge difference. Yesterday, I changed the bottom sheet three times, because I was not prepared for sudden "accidents." I was prepared today! I also adjusted...

I think we may have solved the reason for Marie's vomiting episodes. She is a kidney transplant recipient, and must take two anti-rejection medications. At the nursing home, she was receiving one as an "oral suspension," rather than capsules. Here at home, I have the drug, but it is in...

I got up early to care for Marie. It is now a little after 600am here, and I've already changed the bottom sheet twice! The feed pump is turned off. I will turn it back on in about 30 minutes...after I clean up the vomit from the carpet. Not a good morning thus far. glenn514:(

Marie had a reasonably quiet and restful day today, other than when I was rolling her around, changing her and cleaning her up! She did have another episode of vomiting, so I immediately turned off the feeding pump. The nurse and I are in agreement that we think she's just getting too much...

On another matter entirely...I am a retired church musician/teacher in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. For much of my career, I wrestled with the distinction between "ADVENT" music and "CHRISTMAS" music. Yet, in all the stress, strain and huge learning curve, I grabbed my earbuds and my...

Marie had some difficulty yesterday evening, with two episodes of throwing up. Fortunately, the home health nurse, who lives in our fair city, had just left, so I called her back, and she gladly assisted me cleaning Marie up. We ended up shutting off the feeding pump for a couple of hours, so...

The learning curve on this home care is mighty steep! But I am slowing getting better at caring for Marie, setting the feeding pump, preparing her medications, and all those other things one has to learn NOW! And I found out today how to administer one of her anti-rejection medications. Our...

I didn’t have an opportunity to email you yesterday afternoon or evening, but Marie is safely and securely in the house! The two men from the ambulance company, along with Jim Christle, our son-in-law, had to use some large muscles to get her around the corner at the back hallway, but they did...