Interesting situation!

[AmazingGrace]

So, we have these friends who are in the Army. They have their 92 year old mother staying with them and recently got transferred. They needed a place for Reba to stay for a couple of weeks. We have a ground floor master with a walk in shower and a hand held shower attachment. So we offered our home. After filling out respite care paperwork and powers of attorney through the Army, we now have a precious houseguest.

She arrived on Monday and I'll be honest, the first couple of days were really hard. Ms. Reba has very definite ways of doing things. Combine this with her age and some physical limitations, I was seriously wondering what I had gotten myself into.

Lately though, we've gotten into a groove. I've figured out how she likes her coffee and which side of the van is easier to get into. Her walker fits perfectly into the back of the van.

What throws me is how appreciative she is. She eats almost anything. Whatever I make, she goes on like it's gourmet. I overheard her on the phone with her daughter going on about how lucky she is that she has such a nice place to stay. It's almost awkward to hear that so often.

It's been really nice having company during the afternoon. We went to the library and stocked up on our favorite books and we just read and chat through the day. It's peaceful. We do outings every other day or so. She's really sweet and very positive. her emory is amazingly sharp, so I've been hearing stories of her and her family from way back in the day.

She leaves on Saturday. On the one hand, I'm looking forward to getting my life back. On the other hand, I'm going to miss her. The best part of this has been feeling needed. I'm not one that needs atta girls all the time, but it is is nice to be appreciated just a little. My dh leaves this afternoon for a conference in Phoenix so I actually got back into deployment mode, planned all our menus and activities for the week to keep things simple yet organized.

So that's what I've been up to.

 

[Handbag Lady]

So, we have these friends who are in the Army. They have their 92 year old mother staying with them and recently got transferred. They needed a place for Reba to stay for a couple of weeks. We have a ground floor master with a walk in shower and a hand held shower attachment. So we offered our home. After filling out respite care paperwork and powers of attorney through the Army, we now have a precious houseguest.

She arrived on Monday and I'll be honest, the first couple of days were really hard. Ms. Reba has very definite ways of doing things. Combine this with her age and some physical limitations, I was seriously wondering what I had gotten myself into.

Lately though, we've gotten into a groove. I've figured out how she likes her coffee and which side of the van is easier to get into. Her walker fits perfectly into the back of the van.

What throws me is how appreciative she is. She eats almost anything. Whatever I make, she goes on like it's gourmet. I overheard her on the phone with her daughter going on about how lucky she is that she has such a nice place to stay. It's almost awkward to hear that so often.

It's been really nice having company during the afternoon. We went to the library and stocked up on our favorite books and we just read and chat through the day. It's peaceful. We do outings every other day or so.

She leaves on Saturday. On the one hand, I'm looking forward to getting my life back. On the other hand, I'm going to miss her. The best part of this has been feeling needed

I'm actually jealous as I would love a house guest. She sounds like a very sweet woman. And forget about the growing pains, I'm sure it was hard on her to adjust to change. You are a very kind person to do this.

 

[pyrxtc]

What a great post. It's nice to hear you are making her so comfortable, maybe she'll come back and visit ?

 

[JessicaR]

Aww thats so sweet. How lucky she is to have your hospitality.

 

[lovemygoofy]

You are a good friend. Not many people would do such a thing. I'm glad you both had a nice visit and you made a new relationship.


On the other end of the spectrum, my husband and I have had a 21 year old senior in college with us all summer. She is my husband's first cousin and I think a joke from GodMy husband and I have been discussing if we even have parent instincts or really would be good parents. Apparently we have the instincts and good at it but don't want children at that age

 

[JerseyJanice]

She sounds like a sweetie! And you are an angel for taking her in.

Houseguests are like that. You can't wait to get rid of them, but you miss them when they leave.

My nephew stayed with us every weekend this spring and many evenings during the week. He drove my husband crazy, but I really enjoyed having him here and missed him a lot when he didn't need to be here anymore.

 

[bellebud]

what a really, really sweet post! I just loved reading that!

 

[Magic Mom]

What a great post! Thanks for sharing.

 

[akhenaten]

OP sounds like it was a a good experience for you and Ms. Reba!

You are a good friend. Not many people would do such a thing. I'm glad you both had a nice visit and you made a new relationship.


On the other end of the spectrum, my husband and I have had a 21 year old senior in college with us all summer. She is my husband's first cousin and I think a joke from GodMy husband and I have been discussing if we even have parent instincts or really would be good parents. Apparently we have the instincts and good at it but don't want children at that age

Love my goofy.... I have a 21 year old and used to think I had good instincts... wow what a tough age!! LOL... at least when you have your own you have some fun years leading up to 21...LOL

 

[OceanAnnie]

What a nice thing to do! Thank you for sharing your summer story. It was heartwarming to read.

Very nice of you to accommodate an older woman "set in her ways". In some ways we all are to an extent. Good that she was the kind to speak up and not get fussy and irritable by bottling it in! It does sound like nice, easy days. It is wonderful when you are appreciated. Your house guest sounds like a nice lady.

 

[anniemae]

She sounds like a sweet lady and a fun companion/house guest. You could always tell your friends that your door is open for her to come back if they ever want a break or to take a vacation or something.

 

[minkydog]

You are a good friend. Not many people would do such a thing. I'm glad you both had a nice visit and you made a new relationship.


On the other end of the spectrum, my husband and I have had a 21 year old senior in college with us all summer. She is my husband's first cousin and I think a joke from GodMy husband and I have been discussing if we even have parent instincts or really would be good parents. Apparently we have the instincts and good at it but don't want children at that age

That's why God made babies cute and precious--so we won't eat them when they hit their teens.

 

[Mary•Poppins]

What a lovely post!

You are a very kind person. I think she really enjoyed your company and someone new to share her life stories with.

 

[Mary•Poppins]

That's why God made babies cute and precious--so we won't eat them when they hit their teens.

This is so TRUE!

 

[minniecarousel]

ahhh...AmazingGrace....you have described life with my Mother. Except that she lived with DH & I for 9 years. We bought a home with a bedroom & bathroom on the ground floor just so she could come live with us when she was 84. She passed away in April at age 93. I miss her so much! She loved to read too. She was quite ill the last month of her life, but she was very sharp. She was so appreciative being able to live here with us. We wouldn't have it any other way. Every time she was hospitalized, I was anxious to get her home.

Bless you for taking her in. I'm sure it was an honor.

 

[LuvOrlando]

Thanks for sharing your situation, it sounds like you both got a lot out the time you've spent together.

 

[wdwfan16]

What a nice situation for all involved. You will have fond memories of these days to tell when you are older.

 

[4nana]

The world needs more kind, caring, and loving people like you dear . It's nice to read a positive story and so heartbreaking to read so many stories of people griping about parents/IL's/seniors. They don't realize, if we're lucky, we'll all get there one day and perhaps take a walk in their shoes. I believe what goes around, comes around, and it's heartwarming to read you both had a good experience. Thank you!

 

[Kathi OD]

The world needs more kind, caring, and loving people like you dear . It's nice to read a positive story and so heartbreaking to read so many stories of people griping about parents/IL's/seniors. They don't realize, if we're lucky, we'll all get there one day and perhaps take a walk in their shoes. I believe what goes around, comes around, and it's heartwarming to read you both had a good experience. Thank you!

This sums up my feelings much better than I ever could.

 

[HeatherH]

What a lovely post, and what a lovely person you are to share this sweet experience with us.

I know nothing about your personal circumstances, so forgive me if this is not possible...but have you thought about volunteering, perhaps with the elderly? There are SO many people in need out there, and it sounds like you have exactly the right kind of personality to give to others in such a special way.