Category Archives: Parental Journal
Wisconsin Time – First 36 Days in Middleton
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
Parental Journal 120 from Planet Elderly: Last Kiss
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
Gratitude – The Furry Kind
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
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
Posted in Parental Journal
Tagged COVID vaccine, DC, dementia decline, elderly parents, separation due to COVID
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A New Year Ahead with a New Blog Title
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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Tagged adjustments to aging, aging, blog writing, Columbia MO, dementia, Lenoir Woods, new blog title, planet elderly
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Parental Journal 118 from Planet Elderly: The Visit that Wasn’t
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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Tagged COVID 19, dementia, dementia decline, elderly parents, pandemic visits, skilled nursing care
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Parental Journal 116 from Planet Elderly – Second Major Lockdown: No Visitors
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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Tagged Chatterbox, COVID 19, dementia, elderly parents, Pandora app
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Parental Journal 115 from Planet Elderly: Socially Distanced Fall Visits
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
Parental Journal 114 from Planet Elderly: This Is Your Life via Photo Album
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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Tagged dementia, elderly parents, photo album, planet elderly
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Pandemic Times: Soil, Sun, Rain, Beauty
August 24, 2020 – mid-afternoon Blooms In addition to all the baking people have been doing during these pandemic times, growing things has also becomes more popular than ever. Whether it’s deciding to put out a few pots to grow … Continue reading
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