A Day With Mom

Brenda was unable to work today, so Jess and I had an unexpected "Girls Day Out".  After the Healthy Girlfriend's get together this morning, we went to the post office, lunch, pet store, Salvation Army and dollar store before calling it a day. 

This is for you, Doreen:  we walked into Pizza Hut for lunch for their salad and pizza bar only to find out it doesn't have one anymore!  You have to order a pizza and order a salad.  That probably tells you how long its been since I've been in a Pizza Hut!  They probably changed years ago.  Well, we walked out.  Instead we went to Jessie's #1 choice: KFC. 

Rachel came tonight while I went to a doTERRA introductory class.  I've wanted to learn more about the essential oils.  It was a fascinating and fun time and I bought the Home Physicians Kit and I'm on way to learning more.  More about this later.

Remember a couple days ago when I blogged about Jessie kissing a nursing home resident?  She also held her hand.  I found this little poem in a little book (seriously about 2" x 2") and wanted to share it with you:

Your Hand and Mine

 

'Tis the human touch in the world that counts -

The touch of your hand and mine -

Which means far more to the sinking heart

Than shelter or bread or wine.

 

For shelter is gone when the night is o'er,

And bread lasts only a day.

But the touch of the hand and the sound of the voice

Live on in the soul alway.

 

-- Spencer M. Free

 

 

This Broke My Heart Today

At first glance, this is an adorable picture of Jessie sitting in the front seat of the van, ready to drive.  Unfortunately, it was a heart renching episode for me.

Debbie, Jon, Jessie and I went to Chili's for lunch for Cinco de Mayo (don't we need excuses for eating out?).  I drove with Jon and Jessie drove with Debbie.  We parked next to one another. 

When we came back to the vehicles, I started to get in Jon's jeep when I noticed that Jessie was giving Debbie a hard time about getting in the back seat.  She wanted to sit in the front seat!

Jessie NEVER sits in anyone's front seat.  Never has and I assumed never would.  Except for today.  For some reason she climbed in the driver's seat, buckled up and wanted to drive home.  We were all laughing hysterically until we realized that she was VERY serious.

We had a difficult time getting her out.  You just don't move Jessie if she's wanting to stay put.  By now I was getting nervous about getting her out.  Jon finally told her that if she wanted she could sit in the van tomorrow and drive.  Not good words.  Necessary at the time, but she remembers. 

She tried to get out but she got stuck several times.  She tried backing out like she does in the back seat but her right leg kept getting stuck.  Debbie raised the wheel, I lowered the seat back and she ended up crawling into the back, falling on her back with her legs in the air.  By this time I'm not sure if I should laugh or cry.

She finally gets in her seat, I give her a hug and she looks at me and says:  "Promise?  Little car?"  (Remember Jon's words about driving tomorrow?)  OK, I had to quickly leave her and broke down.  Why?

When a special needs child is born, the parents may go through some grieving in the beginning, and maybe as the years go by at certain times.  Depending on the severity of the disability, you realize that your child will never be able to do this ... or that ... or whatever.  Today I saw Jessie's desire to drive and be like us, yet I know that will never happen.  It broke my heart the way she looked at me and said:  "Promise?  Little car?"  Especially when she actually got in the driver's seat, something that she has NEVER done in her 23 years! 

A Very Special Kiss

Jessie and I have had a very nice day.  We began the morning with breakfast out with Diane and Randie, then we visited in their home for an hour or so.  We left and went to visit Jon at his work.  (More about this in a minute.)

We then went to FCS to buy #3 in a series I am reading and a couple of DVD's for Jessie.  We're trying to change over from Videos to DVD's.  We shared a Wendy's meal then came home.  She's been on her iPad all afternoon, watched 2 Veggie Tale videos and played with her beads and cards.  She's done a lot of laughing and been in a great mood.  I have been reading and on my iPad.  A very nice, relaxing day.

Back to Jon's work ... while we were there, one of the women residents was sitting close to where Jessie was standing and Jessie said, "Momma!"  (That's her way of saying Grandma!)  Jessie grabbed her hand and held on to it for a bit.  The woman was not able to speak where we could understand her, but she pointed to her nose and side of her face.  Jessie gently leaned over and gave the woman a kiss on that spot.  I wanted to cry.  Jessie doesn't give kisses very often.  Lots of hugs, but not as many kisses.  I wondered about the resident and when was the last time she was kissed.  Did she have family?  Did she feel Jessie's sweet lips on her face?  I hope that somehow God let this woman know that He loves her and gave her a kiss through Jessie today. 

Jon's Garden

Mom and Jessie's Day Out

Now that I'm able to walk more than before, Jess and I went out for several hours.  We went to the post office and bank then had lunch at Dimitri's.  Jessie insisted on chicken strips and fries, but I won out with chicken quesadillas and water.  It's a battle, but we're working on no more pop. 

From there we went to Kohl's and a new Kroger's that's not too far away.  It's a mega Kroger's and I wanted to see what it looked like.  It's like a fancy Walmart.  It even has clothes.  We just got the few things I like from there then came home. 

Jon went vegetable and herb shopping then planted his cold weather plants in his garden.  I'm glad he has a nice place to grow his vegetables.  He really enjoys gardening.  I'm going to post a picture in a minute.  I forgot to save it before I began this blog. 

Friday

What an original title, eh?  That's about as good as it gets tonight.

While Rachel took Jessie to breakfast and met Kelly, I had breakfast and began several hours of paperwork.  Around lunch time I went to the post office, Walgreen's, Meijer's for gas, a greenhouse for flowers and picked up my friend, Judy, and we went to lunch.  Judy recently lost her husband, Frank, and we were able to share a common bond.  After I took her home I went to Hallmark and bought some Wedding shower cards and a book,  As soon as I walked in the door, I received  a call from another friend and left to go visit her for about 20 minutes.  I purchased a book I had wanted to give to her, entitled Jesus Today, by Sarah Young. 

When I returned it was time for Rachel to leave.  I got my iPad and book and sat down on the couch and promptly went to sleep for a couple hours.  Jessie made sure I was covered up with Bill's blanket.  Since I didn't get up until 7:00 (I'm not sure why I'm so tired lately!), Jess and I drove to McDonald's and we got fish sandwiches for dinner.  At least she gave me 2 thumbs up while we ate.

The picture above is a common sight when Jess gets involved in her Apples 2 Apples cards.  I don't think I've shared it before. 

A Photo Op For Jessie

Brenda took Jessie to the Rec Center (with my permission, of course) for a photo op.  A photographer from "The Voice" wanted to do an article on the special needs gym class that they are doing.  When we see it printed, I'll post it for you to see.  If it's any good, as she wasn't too cooperative. 

I went to lunch with some Bible Study ladies and their small group.  I was the only one there that wasn't in the group, but it was a special lunch for one of the ladies whose husband just passed away.  It was nice to be invited.

I have the blah's. I just can't seem to get motivated.  Does anyone else have that problem?  Is it my age?  I sure hope not.  My mom did lots of things up to her death at age 88.  I'm too young to be pooped and out of sorts.  Is it the weather?  Maybe it's the lack of warmth, or leaves on the trees, or flowers.  It's been a long, cold winter with very little spring.