Author Archives: Jenny Mummert

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About Jenny Mummert

This blog was originally titled "Drifting Toward Planet Elderly," and it shared a journey I had with my elderly parents as they both went through their later years battling the complexities of dementia. After both passed on, I changed the title to "Living on Planet Elderly." I am a retiree who is reluctantly adjusting to the reality that she is now elderly. In July of 2021, I relocated to Middleton WI after living in Columbia MO for over 40 years. I decided that I want to experience a new and vibrant location in a cooler climate with lakes...a bucket list item of mine. I have a first cousin who lives in Madison. We have nice childhood memories, and I thought it would be wonderful to spend some time together as elders. It was. AND THEN....in March 2023, I returned to Columbia. I had a wonderful time experiencing the Madison area of Wisconsin, spending time with my cousin, and making some wonderful friends. No regrets.

Parental Journal 79 from Planet Elderly – Mom’s Visit to Columbia and My Encounter with the Flu

Posted on November 15, 2016 by Jenny Mummert

Monday, November 14, 2016 – early afternoon Visit to Columbia, MO A couple days after Dad’s memorial service, Mom and I headed to Columbia, Missouri where I’ve lived for almost 40 years.  The purpose of the trip was for Mom … Continue reading →

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Parental Journal 78 from Planet Elderly – Dementia and Grief

Posted on October 15, 2016 by Jenny Mummert

Monday, October 3, 2016 – very early morning It’s been ten days since Dad died and the most painful part is to witness Mom struggling with her grief. Vigil Time Mom and I sat with Dad who had become bedridden. … Continue reading →

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Parental Journal 77 from Planet Elderly – Five Days of Hospice

Posted on September 24, 2016 by Jenny Mummert

Saturday, September 24, 2016 – early morning My wonderful dad, Victor Anthony Leogrande, peacefully passed away on the morning of Thursday, September 22 after receiving five days of hospice care.   It filled my heart with joy and gratitude that Mom … Continue reading →

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Parental Journal 76 from Planet Elderly – With Apologies to Frank Sinatra

Posted on September 9, 2016 by Jenny Mummert

Thursday, September 8, 2016 – afternoon Just like Sinatra, Mom wants to do things her way, but for how long can we keep the current arrangement afloat? We have a schedule where neighbor Kevin takes Mom to see Dad four … Continue reading →

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Parental Journal 75 from Planet Elderly – Mom’s 90th Birthday Present to Herself: Passing Her Driving Test (Yipes!)

Posted on August 22, 2016 by Jenny Mummert

Wednesday, August 17, 2016 – Evening What can I say?  The gal’s got guts.  After seven failed attempts previous to this visit, I took her to the motor vehicle place today thinking this would do it; this would convince her … Continue reading →

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Parental Journal 74 from Planet Elderly – Happy 90th Birthday, Mom! No More Driving

Posted on August 14, 2016 by Jenny Mummert

  Saturday, August 13, 2016 – afternoon Tomorrow I drive back to Grayslake, Illinois to spend some time with Mom and visit Dad.  Mom turns 90 on August 16.  Rather than feeling dread, I feel resolute.  I’ve done a lot … Continue reading →

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Parental Journal 73 – Trying to Recharge in Missouri

Posted on July 22, 2016 by Jenny Mummert

Thursday, July 21, 2016 – noonish I’ve been back in Missouri five days and I still feel unsettled…on edge most of the time.  There’s this constant nagging question, “What are we going to do?”  There’s no simple answer; just have … Continue reading →

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Parental Journal 72 from Planet Elderly – Trip Back to Missouri Delayed

Posted on July 17, 2016 by Jenny Mummert

Saturday, July 16, 2016 – early morning After last night’s trip to Condell Immediate Care Clinic, I decided to stay a while to make sure Mom’s leg wound swelling goes down and that she manages the schedule for when to … Continue reading →

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Parental Journal 71 from Planet Elderly – Maybe a Bit of a Breather

Posted on July 16, 2016 by Jenny Mummert

Friday, July 15, 2016 – evening Things are in place so that I can take a breather and return to Missouri for a few weeks, but it could also be cut short.  I drive back to Missouri tomorrow with the … Continue reading →

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Parental Journal 70 from Planet Elderly – Anger, Confusion and Root Beer Floats

Posted on July 13, 2016 by Jenny Mummert

Tuesday, July 12, 2016 – mid-morning The past couple days have been a roller coaster of emotions again—for both of us.  Pretty normal for families in our situation.                I Resigned from Project Driver’s License Mom failed her third attempt last … Continue reading →

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