Things have been very, very not normal these past few weeks...not too unusual for this time of year, but not normal. We are slowly getting back into the groove with visiting Lisa and helping her get better. The sidewalk sale was this past weekend and we had a couple thousand things to do to get ready for it. Lisa was on our minds, but we could not be in two places at once.
It was a crazy week. I went to see her on Friday around lunch time. I told her how hot and humid it was and told her that she would be glad that she was not in the heat. She asked me the date and I told her July 16th and she remembered it was sidewalk sale. She was frustrated and started to cry and said, "I missed it!" I called Karen for some quick advice and then reassured Lisa that I will bring her the next day...Her spirits lifted a little. I felt so bad for her. Sidewalk sale is always a time for our family to work together and just hang out and help customers. Lisa has ALWAYS been a part of it. We were going to make sure that she would be this year too...even if the heat index was above 100.
The Taminger's had our family reunion at the same time. Now, it was almost a year ago that the cousins got together for Uncle Jerry's funeral in Texas and thought it would be a big celebration with the 100 year Anniversary of the store. I do not recommend doing that again, (only because everyone felt that they were in the way while at the store) however, things got done that 5 adults and 7 kids (10 and under) would not have gotten done. So, a GIGANTIC thank you to ALL of you...each one of you did something to help us. Thank you!!!!!! Well, Lisa knew about the reunion, and remembered that it was going to be this particular weekend. She was upset. We had it lined up for visits to the nursing home, in shifts, so it wouldn't be an everyone come and everyone leave situation. But...she got to come for 2 hours! She was thrilled, and the smile on her face was priceless. She was soooooo happy, and was ready to go back to take a nap. It worked out perfect!
The PT talked to me about her future. What are we going to do? Where will she go? We haven't thought about that. It is too hard. She encouraged me to think about it...because, she said that her progress is very slow. I had tears in my eyes as she talked to me. She said she was sorry for upsetting me, I just told her that it is hard to think about, so I don't, right now. We will though. We will.
We have a great family. We have so many cousins, and aunts, uncles, and even baby cousins that pray for Lisa. They pray for me and my dad and sisters. Thank you! There are no words to describe how much all of you mean to us. I thank God for us, for the closeness we have, although states and lives separate us. We really are close-knit and it is a wonderful feeling. Lisa, I know appreciates you too. She smiled the whole time she was at the store and everyone gathered around her. It was normal for once! for Lisa!
Lisa told me 3 times that Diane N came to see her, brought her a cold Diet Pepsi! She told Karen about 3 times too. Thank you Diane. You made her day, really, her week! and it was only Monday! I was going to try to visit her that day, but that wouldn't have compared to you! So, I am happy that someone from her past visited her. She told me again today, that you visited. Thank you. You made a difference!
Thank you, Karla! I was so glad to finally get back to visit with Lisa. We had a fun visit. I was blown away by the difference from my first visit - although I've been keeping up with the blogs and knew she was better - was great to see it for myself! We had fun chatting about lots of things and laughing about the silly boys in their wheelchairs. After I left, i heard her tell someone "I've known her for a long time!". Almost cried! Hopefully it will not be as long between for my next visit. Stay strong - you are all amazing! XO Diane
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