Category Archives: Parental Journal

The Move Back to Columbia

Posted on May 23, 2023 by jjmummert

Tuesday, May 23, 2023 early morning In early March of this year, I decided to end my Wisconsin adventure and move back to Columbia MO for two major reasons: I missed my family and friends, and realized that as I … Continue reading →

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Wisconsin Time – First 36 Days in Middleton

Posted on September 5, 2021 by jjmummert

Sunday, September 5, 2021 This is what August first looked like: Thirty-five days later I can say that all boxes have been unpacked, broken down, and placed in recycling bins. I became very familiar with the apartment elevator which took … Continue reading →

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Parental Journal 120 from Planet Elderly: Last Kiss

Posted on March 10, 2021 by jjmummert

Wednesday, March 10, 2021 (This is the final “Parental Journal” entry for this blog.) On Monday, March 1, I received my last kiss from my mom. It was the first day visitors were allowed to schedule visits again, and I … Continue reading →

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Gratitude – The Furry Kind

Posted on February 9, 2021 by jjmummert

February 9, 2021 Guest contributor, Patti Brown, offers a reflection on gratitude. Patti and I have been friends since the early 1980s, and I know that throughout her life she has believed in the practice of taking time to reflect … Continue reading →

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Parental Journal 119 from Planet Elderly: Still Can’t See Mom

Posted on January 15, 2021 by jjmummert

Friday, January 15, 2021 It has been a long time since I last saw my Mom. I understand the cautions that must be taken to protect the residents and staff where she lives, but not seeing her has become worrisome. … Continue reading →

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A New Year Ahead with a New Blog Title

Posted on December 28, 2020 by jjmummert

December 28, 2020 About five years ago I found myself driving home from visiting my folks and mumbling to myself, “Geez, I’m so glad to leave. I feel like I’ve been spending time on another planet. Is that ME in … Continue reading →

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Parental Journal 118 from Planet Elderly: The Visit that Wasn’t

Posted on December 16, 2020 by jjmummert

Wednesday, December 16, 2020 – late morning I thought it was a bit odd when I received an email telling me that in-person “chatterbox” visits would resume. I was happy, but then I thought, wait a minute. Our COVID case … Continue reading →

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Parental Journal 116 from Planet Elderly – Second Major Lockdown: No Visitors

Posted on November 9, 2020 by jjmummert

Monday, November 9, 2020 – 8:30 a.m. With the number of COVID 19 cases rising worldwide, I wasn’t surprised to receive a call telling me that in-person and chatterbox visits will be cancelled for this week. Someone (or some people) … Continue reading →

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Parental Journal 115 from Planet Elderly: Socially Distanced Fall Visits

Posted on October 3, 2020 by jjmummert

Saturday, October 3, 2020 – mid-morning When my friends ask how visits with Mom are going, I am delighted to tell them that we are having so much fun. I do most of the talking, but Mom reacts and responds … Continue reading →

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Parental Journal 114 from Planet Elderly: This Is Your Life via Photo Album

Posted on September 10, 2020 by jjmummert

Thursday, September 10, 2020 – early afternoon The twice-a-week visits with Mom are going well. We meet at about 11 a.m. on Mondays and Thursdays and visit for 30 minutes. We are both enjoying them. Although it took a long … Continue reading →

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