It is "looking a lot like Christmas, everywhere you go". Some people are happy, some are sad or too busy to know how they feel! The list of things to do becomes longer, our recipes from last year are revisited, cleaning the house for guests to arrive and it is all very exciting.
With all that is going on, I was made aware of my mood today when Lindsay and I were at the grocery store. I did pretty well to get out of the house and run errands early since I have lots on my to-do list. Rush and multi-task, for more rushing and more tasks! She kept coming up to me and giving me a big hug and kissing my cheek. I found myself irritated at first as she would come up in front of me when I was looking at the shelf for an item. After the second or third time, I said to her, "you are awfully lovey today". Then "aah-ha", it donned on me. She, as usual, was intuitive to my mood and was trying to slow me down. She was telling me in her own way, "it's okay, mom and you need a hug". So true and just what I needed and after my aaah ha moment, our hug lasted longer.
I have come to realize that things always work out and that often the obstacles we face our ourselves. If we stop moving and thinking and fixing, that we often find a treasure under our agitation. My treasure today was that my daughter sensed my mood, saw what needed to be done and thankfully, I stopped the stirring of my mind enough to realize what she was telling me.
Thank you Lindsay for your intuitiveness, for your long hugs and for reminding me of the treasure of staying in the moment!
Monday, December 13, 2010
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
The simple things sometimes aren't so simple
Hello again. FYI, the code word is still used from time to time, but who doesn't need to go back to the feelings of vacation in our everyday lives?
After giving Lindsay a shower tonight, many thoughts came to mind. Ever since she was a baby, until now at the age of 25, helping her bathe is just something we do. From adjusting the water temperature, to making sure she gets enough shampoo on her hair or sometimes to the other spectrum, making sure she doesn't use the entire bottle too! Shaving her under-arms and her legs, making sure she doesn't get the urge to pick up the razor and do it herself. Like all of us, she likes to stand in the shower and feel the warm water for long time. We thought Taylor was a long shower taker! To save time, I will often shower with her and she soon ushers me out when she wants her water hog time.
Tonight, however, it occurred to me that as she is getting older, she wants more and more independence when yet, she needs all the help that we give. Sometimes it isn't so easy to clean her ears, to clip her nails, floss her teeth. We give in, to avoid the struggle and then when I think of it, that it has been awhile, I feel so bad. How could have I forgot to to do that? She doesn't know to do it herself, some of the daily things we do for ourselves.
I will be honest. It isn't very often that when it is my shower time, that I don't include Lindsay. Sometimes it is just easier to, as they say, "kill two birds with one stone". I realized tonight, she doesn't like the idea of sharing shower time with me either! Sometimes having a few minutes alone in the shower with the warm water trickling down upon your head is just what someone needs.
But....it is so hard to let go of the simple little things we need to do for ourselves or others without letting the necessities of every day life come into play. Do I let her stand for long moments soaking up the water, forget about the forest growing on her legs, and not worry if she uses conditioner instead of shampoo? I do let up on some of those things and then like tonight, after letting things go for awhile, I realize that she depends on me/us to help her with these simple things, even if she doesn't like it.
So, as in everyday life, we learn to adapt to the situation. Okay then... not tonight.... then tomorrow I will clean your ears, shave your legs, etc but I am realizing that remembering to do those simple little things isn't so simple!
After giving Lindsay a shower tonight, many thoughts came to mind. Ever since she was a baby, until now at the age of 25, helping her bathe is just something we do. From adjusting the water temperature, to making sure she gets enough shampoo on her hair or sometimes to the other spectrum, making sure she doesn't use the entire bottle too! Shaving her under-arms and her legs, making sure she doesn't get the urge to pick up the razor and do it herself. Like all of us, she likes to stand in the shower and feel the warm water for long time. We thought Taylor was a long shower taker! To save time, I will often shower with her and she soon ushers me out when she wants her water hog time.
Tonight, however, it occurred to me that as she is getting older, she wants more and more independence when yet, she needs all the help that we give. Sometimes it isn't so easy to clean her ears, to clip her nails, floss her teeth. We give in, to avoid the struggle and then when I think of it, that it has been awhile, I feel so bad. How could have I forgot to to do that? She doesn't know to do it herself, some of the daily things we do for ourselves.
I will be honest. It isn't very often that when it is my shower time, that I don't include Lindsay. Sometimes it is just easier to, as they say, "kill two birds with one stone". I realized tonight, she doesn't like the idea of sharing shower time with me either! Sometimes having a few minutes alone in the shower with the warm water trickling down upon your head is just what someone needs.
But....it is so hard to let go of the simple little things we need to do for ourselves or others without letting the necessities of every day life come into play. Do I let her stand for long moments soaking up the water, forget about the forest growing on her legs, and not worry if she uses conditioner instead of shampoo? I do let up on some of those things and then like tonight, after letting things go for awhile, I realize that she depends on me/us to help her with these simple things, even if she doesn't like it.
So, as in everyday life, we learn to adapt to the situation. Okay then... not tonight.... then tomorrow I will clean your ears, shave your legs, etc but I am realizing that remembering to do those simple little things isn't so simple!
Monday, November 15, 2010
Reality is good
Jerry and I just returned from a 10 day getaway by ourselves. Yes, it was wonderful! Time to ourselves, time to relax and do as we please. But as they say, "all good things must come to an end" and after the first day back we have realized that as watching the sun rise and set against the waves of the ocean is indeed wonderful, reality back in Grand Junction, Colorado is good too.
In reality, we really stressed over how Lindsay would react to us being gone for so long. We have gone on trips before but not for this long. We worried if she would have seizures while we were away and if she would be so stressed that she wouldn't sleep. We wondered if in her mind, she would understand us going away by ourselves, if she comprehended that we would be back and things would return to normal. We just didn't know how she would react to the changes to her life in 10 days. In reality, all went great. We had a wonderful friend, Kelli (yes, another Kelli with an "i") stay at the house with her and they had a great time! We would call home and Kelli would say she couldn't believe how Lindsay acted so sad when we called! It was as though she wanted to make us feel like she missed us but in reality, she was having a great time!
In reality, it was so sweet to see Taylor pick us up at the airport with Lindsay and Babygrr in the front seat of the car. All three of them with smiles on their faces, happy to see us. We were chatting with Taylor in the car about things and Lindsay reaches over to turn up the radio dial volume to hear the song playing. Taylor grins as he looks at Lindsay and says "you must like this song, uh?"
In reality, Lindsay reminded us right away of the important things! To "go to the store", "get my papers", "babygrr eat", " call my mom" and that we needed bandaids! (Band aids- future blog entry!) At bed time last night, she was right back in the routine asking us about our next day. She asked me, "you get your "caca", mom?" (coffee) and then, a new question! She asked Jerry, "you get your caca-pop?" We looked at each other and smiled. She knows Jerry doesn't drink coffee but likes a diet coke in the morning, kind of like a morning coffee. Therefore, "caca-pop"! We giggled!
In reality, it was back to our Sunday routine of cooking a Sunday dinner and then watching America's Funniest Videos. Nothing better than hearing Lindsay and Jerry laughing out loud at the silly videos. Then on to Extreme Makeover Home Edition, having tears in our eyes of the good things people do for each other and watching Lindsay "get it" too. She smiles and says "aaah".
In reality, after not having to cook dinner for over a week, I was out of practice and burned myself with the lid to the pot . To make things better, I got a big hug from Lindsay, telling me "aaah, mom", that she liked her dinner.
In contrast, Babygrr, now that is a different story! She did not have the welcome home attitude that Lindsay had. No, I got the silent treatment from her, the "how could you have done this to me" and "I got you back by throwing up on your comforter while you were gone" look, which she did! She is slowly acting like she loves me again. The reality that a animal loves you so much that she got depressed with you gone is amazing! Or could it be that Lindsay drove her crazy trying to hold her the whole time and she is just really mad at me!
We all need to get away from it all once in awhile, but home can be a comforting real thing. Jerry and I came up with a code word to say to each other at moments when "our reality" gets overwhelming. A word that can take us back to those relaxing moments together on the beach, listening to waves come to shore. Having a chance to have those quiet moments helps you realize the precious moments of our everyday reality. The importance of finding the wonderful in our world at home each day.
Yes, reality is good .....but alright, I admit, we have had to use the code word already. :)
In reality, we really stressed over how Lindsay would react to us being gone for so long. We have gone on trips before but not for this long. We worried if she would have seizures while we were away and if she would be so stressed that she wouldn't sleep. We wondered if in her mind, she would understand us going away by ourselves, if she comprehended that we would be back and things would return to normal. We just didn't know how she would react to the changes to her life in 10 days. In reality, all went great. We had a wonderful friend, Kelli (yes, another Kelli with an "i") stay at the house with her and they had a great time! We would call home and Kelli would say she couldn't believe how Lindsay acted so sad when we called! It was as though she wanted to make us feel like she missed us but in reality, she was having a great time!
In reality, it was so sweet to see Taylor pick us up at the airport with Lindsay and Babygrr in the front seat of the car. All three of them with smiles on their faces, happy to see us. We were chatting with Taylor in the car about things and Lindsay reaches over to turn up the radio dial volume to hear the song playing. Taylor grins as he looks at Lindsay and says "you must like this song, uh?"
In reality, Lindsay reminded us right away of the important things! To "go to the store", "get my papers", "babygrr eat", " call my mom" and that we needed bandaids! (Band aids- future blog entry!) At bed time last night, she was right back in the routine asking us about our next day. She asked me, "you get your "caca", mom?" (coffee) and then, a new question! She asked Jerry, "you get your caca-pop?" We looked at each other and smiled. She knows Jerry doesn't drink coffee but likes a diet coke in the morning, kind of like a morning coffee. Therefore, "caca-pop"! We giggled!
In reality, it was back to our Sunday routine of cooking a Sunday dinner and then watching America's Funniest Videos. Nothing better than hearing Lindsay and Jerry laughing out loud at the silly videos. Then on to Extreme Makeover Home Edition, having tears in our eyes of the good things people do for each other and watching Lindsay "get it" too. She smiles and says "aaah".
In reality, after not having to cook dinner for over a week, I was out of practice and burned myself with the lid to the pot . To make things better, I got a big hug from Lindsay, telling me "aaah, mom", that she liked her dinner.
In contrast, Babygrr, now that is a different story! She did not have the welcome home attitude that Lindsay had. No, I got the silent treatment from her, the "how could you have done this to me" and "I got you back by throwing up on your comforter while you were gone" look, which she did! She is slowly acting like she loves me again. The reality that a animal loves you so much that she got depressed with you gone is amazing! Or could it be that Lindsay drove her crazy trying to hold her the whole time and she is just really mad at me!
We all need to get away from it all once in awhile, but home can be a comforting real thing. Jerry and I came up with a code word to say to each other at moments when "our reality" gets overwhelming. A word that can take us back to those relaxing moments together on the beach, listening to waves come to shore. Having a chance to have those quiet moments helps you realize the precious moments of our everyday reality. The importance of finding the wonderful in our world at home each day.
Yes, reality is good .....but alright, I admit, we have had to use the code word already. :)
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Update on Lindsay's Knee
Thanks for everyone checking in on Lindsay and her knee! Here is an update......
Thankfully, after the frustrating process of the MRI, the doctor was able to get one good image showing that she didn't have any damage to the knee but it did show some fluid around the area. He watched her walk around the office with no indication of severe pain or limping and after discussion, we have decided to take a step by step process.
First step, is to get blood work to see if anything else is going on. We belong to a Registry of parents and affected individuals with abnormalities of the 18th Chromosome. There are several abnormalities, of which Lindsay was diagnosed with 18P- (minus) Syndrome. It is a short deletion on the top arm of the 18th Chromosome. The slight deletion has affected her communication, learning and cognitive development. Others who have 18P- sometimes have more of the Chromosome missing, which involves many more physical ailments, for which we are grateful that Lindsay doesn't have. The Registry is called Chromosome 18 Registry and Research Society and they continue to study the development, life and medical aspects of those who have these chromosome abnormalities. One area of interest is the possibility that those who have what Lindsay has may be subject to an early onset of arthritis. So, this may be something that may be shown in blood work.
Second, we are going to continue our routine of wearing her knee brace, icing the knee a few times a day and we report back in a few weeks. Lindsay rather likes her knee brace, it has become an accessory that she enjoys and doesn't mind sitting on the couch with her feet up, while her knee of being iced either! :)
We will keep you posted!
Thankfully, after the frustrating process of the MRI, the doctor was able to get one good image showing that she didn't have any damage to the knee but it did show some fluid around the area. He watched her walk around the office with no indication of severe pain or limping and after discussion, we have decided to take a step by step process.
First step, is to get blood work to see if anything else is going on. We belong to a Registry of parents and affected individuals with abnormalities of the 18th Chromosome. There are several abnormalities, of which Lindsay was diagnosed with 18P- (minus) Syndrome. It is a short deletion on the top arm of the 18th Chromosome. The slight deletion has affected her communication, learning and cognitive development. Others who have 18P- sometimes have more of the Chromosome missing, which involves many more physical ailments, for which we are grateful that Lindsay doesn't have. The Registry is called Chromosome 18 Registry and Research Society and they continue to study the development, life and medical aspects of those who have these chromosome abnormalities. One area of interest is the possibility that those who have what Lindsay has may be subject to an early onset of arthritis. So, this may be something that may be shown in blood work.
Second, we are going to continue our routine of wearing her knee brace, icing the knee a few times a day and we report back in a few weeks. Lindsay rather likes her knee brace, it has become an accessory that she enjoys and doesn't mind sitting on the couch with her feet up, while her knee of being iced either! :)
We will keep you posted!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Note to Self.....listen to my instincts and pray for those who have no people skills
Today I was reminded of some lessons!
Lesson #1: Listen to my instincts with Lindsay, that I know her pretty well.
I had my reservations about how this MRI thing was going to work. I knew that she wasn't going to be real cooperative unless she was asleep! As the process of getting her ready began, I could see her anxiety level increasing. She had to take all of her jewelry off, she couldn't take her phone and she had an IV in her arm that really irriated her. AND...... she didn't like the fact that she had to take off her "bew" (bra). She quickly warmed up to the RN's by showing them a picture of Babygrr on my phone, at which time they showed us pictures of their "babies" too! Everyone was happy.
Then came the time to go to the MRI room. I noticed immediately that the technician wasn't real warm and fuzzy. I explained that things would go smoothly if I could transition Lindsay and help her comfort level but was informed I couldn't even be in the room and must go to the waiting room. Not five minutes later, she comes and tells me that the minute the machine started making noise, Lindsay tried getting out! Hello! I told you so! So, after signing a consent form, I was allowed in the MRI, next to the big tube, equipped with ear plugs sitting by Lindsay. She had been given some drugs to relax her and we tried again. Oh my gosh, I forgot how loud that thing is! We managed through the first series of dings and dongs. The tech had told me she could move her head, just so she didn't move her body. The next series started and stopped and then the next.....and then the door opened. "Did you see her move?" says the tech to me in a condensending way. I said, "Her head moved but you said that was ok".....then she says "not during the exam and she moved her whole body", with much irritation as though it was my fault! She then proceeds to tell me, "We only got one good scan if she is like this, this is going to take all day". Not what I wanted to hear! Lindsay then starts scooting out of her position, takes the oxygen out of her nose and says "I want to go". Lindsay gives me the sign language for bathroom and knowing that she hasn't had anything to eat or drink since midnight and that we went just before we came in, I say to Lindsay, " you are ok", knowing it is her ploy to get out of the situation. The tech looks at me and says in a irritated and questioning tone, "are you sure?". At which time, I say, "this isn't going to happen unless she is sedated" and the tech says, "so, are we done?" Oh, I could have bopped her one!
Lindsay pops off the MRI bed and she is happy and ready to "go to the store'! She wins! I am irritated at the tech, whose people skills need some training, at Lindsay for not cooperating and that it didn't work! In reality, made at myself that I didn't listen to my instincts. Lesson......I knew she would need to be sleeping if we tried this....."conscious sedation" wasn't going to cut it!
Lesson # 2 : Some people just don't get it
The MRI tech could have been having a bad day, I will give her that. But, it became very evident she didn't have the patience or tolerance for any fluctuations in the procedures. She didn't show any empathy for how Lindsay must be feeling or that she didn't understand the whole process. Lindsay doesn't realize the consequences of if she moves her body, the image will not be ok. Not to mention, the loud sounds, the bangs, the earplugs, the headphones, not getting to wear her bra! Too much for a girl to handle!
So we go back to the recovery room. I am getting over my frustration and the RN tells me that Lindsay actually did fine and that she sees many people come in with no developemental delays that have to be sedated because of their anxiety level. Our RN was amazingly intuitive to Lindsay, was patient and so understanding. Others that we encountered today need some extra prayers for people skills and patience.
Lesson #3: I am not alone
I take Lindsay to get some much delayed lunch and then "go to the store". All is well with the world! I hear a young lady in a loud voice say "mom, I am over here". I can see that she has special needs and while we are picking out strawberries, this young lady says to me, "do you know me?" I say "no, but you might know my daughter, Lindsay". At which time, her mother comes over and says hi to us and tells us that "she talks to everyone". I give her my hand and introduce myself and Lindsay, at which time I see a hospital band on her wrist. I ask her if she went to the doctor today too. She says, "yes, and they pricked me", showing me her wrist and bandaid. I tell her that Lindsay went to the same place today too! Her mother explains and I tell her that we attemped to have an MRI today but that it didn't go so well. Her mother tells me "oh yes, we have tried that too, and didn't have much luck either". Amazing how the universe works! It was just what I needed after a long day to help me realize......
I am not alone!
Lesson #1: Listen to my instincts with Lindsay, that I know her pretty well.
I had my reservations about how this MRI thing was going to work. I knew that she wasn't going to be real cooperative unless she was asleep! As the process of getting her ready began, I could see her anxiety level increasing. She had to take all of her jewelry off, she couldn't take her phone and she had an IV in her arm that really irriated her. AND...... she didn't like the fact that she had to take off her "bew" (bra). She quickly warmed up to the RN's by showing them a picture of Babygrr on my phone, at which time they showed us pictures of their "babies" too! Everyone was happy.
Then came the time to go to the MRI room. I noticed immediately that the technician wasn't real warm and fuzzy. I explained that things would go smoothly if I could transition Lindsay and help her comfort level but was informed I couldn't even be in the room and must go to the waiting room. Not five minutes later, she comes and tells me that the minute the machine started making noise, Lindsay tried getting out! Hello! I told you so! So, after signing a consent form, I was allowed in the MRI, next to the big tube, equipped with ear plugs sitting by Lindsay. She had been given some drugs to relax her and we tried again. Oh my gosh, I forgot how loud that thing is! We managed through the first series of dings and dongs. The tech had told me she could move her head, just so she didn't move her body. The next series started and stopped and then the next.....and then the door opened. "Did you see her move?" says the tech to me in a condensending way. I said, "Her head moved but you said that was ok".....then she says "not during the exam and she moved her whole body", with much irritation as though it was my fault! She then proceeds to tell me, "We only got one good scan if she is like this, this is going to take all day". Not what I wanted to hear! Lindsay then starts scooting out of her position, takes the oxygen out of her nose and says "I want to go". Lindsay gives me the sign language for bathroom and knowing that she hasn't had anything to eat or drink since midnight and that we went just before we came in, I say to Lindsay, " you are ok", knowing it is her ploy to get out of the situation. The tech looks at me and says in a irritated and questioning tone, "are you sure?". At which time, I say, "this isn't going to happen unless she is sedated" and the tech says, "so, are we done?" Oh, I could have bopped her one!
Lindsay pops off the MRI bed and she is happy and ready to "go to the store'! She wins! I am irritated at the tech, whose people skills need some training, at Lindsay for not cooperating and that it didn't work! In reality, made at myself that I didn't listen to my instincts. Lesson......I knew she would need to be sleeping if we tried this....."conscious sedation" wasn't going to cut it!
Lesson # 2 : Some people just don't get it
The MRI tech could have been having a bad day, I will give her that. But, it became very evident she didn't have the patience or tolerance for any fluctuations in the procedures. She didn't show any empathy for how Lindsay must be feeling or that she didn't understand the whole process. Lindsay doesn't realize the consequences of if she moves her body, the image will not be ok. Not to mention, the loud sounds, the bangs, the earplugs, the headphones, not getting to wear her bra! Too much for a girl to handle!
So we go back to the recovery room. I am getting over my frustration and the RN tells me that Lindsay actually did fine and that she sees many people come in with no developemental delays that have to be sedated because of their anxiety level. Our RN was amazingly intuitive to Lindsay, was patient and so understanding. Others that we encountered today need some extra prayers for people skills and patience.
Lesson #3: I am not alone
I take Lindsay to get some much delayed lunch and then "go to the store". All is well with the world! I hear a young lady in a loud voice say "mom, I am over here". I can see that she has special needs and while we are picking out strawberries, this young lady says to me, "do you know me?" I say "no, but you might know my daughter, Lindsay". At which time, her mother comes over and says hi to us and tells us that "she talks to everyone". I give her my hand and introduce myself and Lindsay, at which time I see a hospital band on her wrist. I ask her if she went to the doctor today too. She says, "yes, and they pricked me", showing me her wrist and bandaid. I tell her that Lindsay went to the same place today too! Her mother explains and I tell her that we attemped to have an MRI today but that it didn't go so well. Her mother tells me "oh yes, we have tried that too, and didn't have much luck either". Amazing how the universe works! It was just what I needed after a long day to help me realize......
I am not alone!
Monday, October 18, 2010
We are often reminded of Lindsay's high pain tolerance
We learned early on in Lindsay's life of her high pain tolerance. We knew that if she shed tears, it really hurt! She shows incredible toughness when others would be in agony. She never complains of things that ail her and if she does it is a mere little reference and maybe a "I hurt" comment not to be mentioned again.
For the past few months she has been wearing a knee brace, as her right knee appeared swollen one morning. She had come into our room and said "I hurt" and pointed to her leg. Her knee was swollen double in size compared to the other one. We have no idea how she may have injured her knee, nor when, as she never indicated to us that it was bothering her. For all we know, she could have been walking on it for awhile before she complained and before we noticed.
Unfortunately, the brace has helped but after a long day of walking or being out and about, it is often swollen again. So today we went to the Orthopaedic doctor and after the X-Rays showed nothing broken, he felt like the next step was an MRI. Which in itself, will be an experience. Lindsay would not sit still in a confined space for 45 minutes, so we need to go to the hospital and have what they call "conscious sedation". We will know then what the next course of action will be, which brings many questions to my mind. Crutches, no way. Wheel chair, oh my, we might not ever get her out of it! :). Surgery? Recovery? Her understanding of the process, the pain, being careful not to re-injure, etc.
We will just wait and see. But today I was reminded of her pain tolerance as the doctor picked up her knee, laid it out straight, bent it and rotated it around to see when and if she expressed any discomfort. Was she, or was she not, it is so hard to tell. And if she was in pain, bless her little heart, she didn't even show it!
For the past few months she has been wearing a knee brace, as her right knee appeared swollen one morning. She had come into our room and said "I hurt" and pointed to her leg. Her knee was swollen double in size compared to the other one. We have no idea how she may have injured her knee, nor when, as she never indicated to us that it was bothering her. For all we know, she could have been walking on it for awhile before she complained and before we noticed.
Unfortunately, the brace has helped but after a long day of walking or being out and about, it is often swollen again. So today we went to the Orthopaedic doctor and after the X-Rays showed nothing broken, he felt like the next step was an MRI. Which in itself, will be an experience. Lindsay would not sit still in a confined space for 45 minutes, so we need to go to the hospital and have what they call "conscious sedation". We will know then what the next course of action will be, which brings many questions to my mind. Crutches, no way. Wheel chair, oh my, we might not ever get her out of it! :). Surgery? Recovery? Her understanding of the process, the pain, being careful not to re-injure, etc.
We will just wait and see. But today I was reminded of her pain tolerance as the doctor picked up her knee, laid it out straight, bent it and rotated it around to see when and if she expressed any discomfort. Was she, or was she not, it is so hard to tell. And if she was in pain, bless her little heart, she didn't even show it!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Lindsay is our little "post it" note
If we need a reminder to do something, go somewhere, get something at the store, we have our own little "post it" note !
She is amazing at remembering things, people and our routine! She watches, she listens and remembers for us, usually without our asking for help. She can watch my routine of cooking pasta, for example and knows that I need the pasta strainer, the special pasta spoon, the hot pad and most importantly, the parmesan cheese and she gets them out before I need them. She will listen to a conversation about what needs to be done during the day or what I have planned and if she hasn't seen those things happen, she reminds me. I will often "think out loud" and she hears those thoughts, takes notes in her mind and reminds me as if I had just written those same thoughts down on a "post it" note!
It can be kind of irritating actually but probably more irritating for her when she reminds me and I don't do what I need to do! I will say, "I need to iron those shirts", so like clock work, she reminds me every chance she gets to "iron those shirts" in her special sort of way. I might not actually be ready to iron those shirts but by gosh, she is going to keep on reminding me until I do! She definitely keeps me on track for checking off those "to do" items.
And there are those times when, we are amazed, that without her remembering for us, we would have been without something we needed, forgotten things at the store, or had to make special trips. She knows where I put my keys, when I have no clue. She remembers that I forgot to put my earrings on that were laying on the dresser. She will remind me at the store I forgot something I said we needed. And usually, she can't say the actual word but somehow gets me to understand the item I am missing!
This morning, my sister, Wendi and I were enjoying a cup of coffee and she said "I just need to go upstairs before I leave and brush my teeth". Time passed, we were saying our goodbyes before her drive back to Denver and Lindsay pops up and gives her the sign language for brushing teeth. Wendi and I looked at each other and just smiled in amazement. Thanks Linds for reminding us of the little duties we can't seem to remember ourselves!
She is amazing at remembering things, people and our routine! She watches, she listens and remembers for us, usually without our asking for help. She can watch my routine of cooking pasta, for example and knows that I need the pasta strainer, the special pasta spoon, the hot pad and most importantly, the parmesan cheese and she gets them out before I need them. She will listen to a conversation about what needs to be done during the day or what I have planned and if she hasn't seen those things happen, she reminds me. I will often "think out loud" and she hears those thoughts, takes notes in her mind and reminds me as if I had just written those same thoughts down on a "post it" note!
It can be kind of irritating actually but probably more irritating for her when she reminds me and I don't do what I need to do! I will say, "I need to iron those shirts", so like clock work, she reminds me every chance she gets to "iron those shirts" in her special sort of way. I might not actually be ready to iron those shirts but by gosh, she is going to keep on reminding me until I do! She definitely keeps me on track for checking off those "to do" items.
And there are those times when, we are amazed, that without her remembering for us, we would have been without something we needed, forgotten things at the store, or had to make special trips. She knows where I put my keys, when I have no clue. She remembers that I forgot to put my earrings on that were laying on the dresser. She will remind me at the store I forgot something I said we needed. And usually, she can't say the actual word but somehow gets me to understand the item I am missing!
This morning, my sister, Wendi and I were enjoying a cup of coffee and she said "I just need to go upstairs before I leave and brush my teeth". Time passed, we were saying our goodbyes before her drive back to Denver and Lindsay pops up and gives her the sign language for brushing teeth. Wendi and I looked at each other and just smiled in amazement. Thanks Linds for reminding us of the little duties we can't seem to remember ourselves!
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