Sweet Kisses

September 22, 2006

Dear Family,

No news is good news, maybe. Sorry I haven't kept in touch with you as good as I should

Things are fine here in Snowflake. Last week was a kind of slow week for mom and dad. Uncle Alan and the caregivers at the Carriage House were working on adjusting dad's medications so he wouldn't be anxious all the time, or too sleepy. It took a while. The first few days of the week he mostly slept, but as the week went on he seemed to get a little more alert, especially in the afternoons. They have stopped giving him most of the medicines now. He doesn't seem to need the sedatives any more.

We are still picking dad up in the mornings and taking him home where he stays with mom, mostly sleeping. She feeds him dinner, then we take him back to the home in the evening. It is working out well, so far.

Today dad went to church with us, but then mom took him home instead of trying to go to Sunday School or Priesthood meeting. He dozed a lot, but this evening when we went over to visit he stayed awake for quite awhile, and even tried to join in the conversation occasionally.

Because he has been sleeping a lot, dad's muscles are getting weaker, so when we help him move from his wheel chair to the car or couch or easy chair or whatever, he isn't able to help much. Mostly we just pick him up and turn and put him down wherever. The last couple of days as I picked dad up to move he has given me a kiss on my neck. It's so sweet. Even when he really doesn't seem to be aware of what is happening, he is still gentle and kind.

Mom is doing pretty good as well. She looks better and says she feels OK. Her hip and knees are hurting, but at least she is getting enough sleep.

I hope you are all well and happy. Thank you for your prayers and thoughts. We love you all.

Aunt Gale