Drew and Kristin--I wish you all kinds of serenity and support. I truly admire the strength and maturity you are using to deal with this and hope that things get easier soon.

I've been slowly getting her around to the idea that these things are a continuum and that a skilled care facility does not equal abandonment and in many way would make it easier for both of us to have time with her.

I think that a lot of people still associate skilled-care facilities with "Nursing home; people go there to be abandoned and die." A lot of people, I think, don't even know that there's a world of difference between facilities where the purpose is skilled care and rehab, versus "retirement communities," where elderly people live until they die because they can no longer live independently.

I hope your mom can let go of her black-and-white thinking and realize that this would just be an interim step as part of her recovery.

We'll see. I also worry that if mom goes into any kind of home she'll give up trying even more than she has already. It's a lot of very tough options.

I can see that, too. I know this is a hard, hard place for you to be.

continued ~ma for you and your family Drew. You are very much in my thoughts. There has been much wise words upthread, and it seems you know whats going on, so just know we are here for you.

Pix, get some rest. Enjoy your time in Miami. It's supposed to be a happening place. And much travel~ma for you.

{{{{{{{{{{ Pix & ND }}}}}}}}}}

I will wave hello while I'm at DFW later today o_a. I'm only there for about 90 minutes, so it's not really enough time to see each other.

:: kermit waves :: in advance, as I'll be busy with musical stuff.

I've reached my productivity block. I can't concentrate on anything. Me thinks it's time for a break and a change of scenery. Coffee at Panera sounds about perfect.

I think I need to mainline some crack, coffee just isn't going to cut it today.

You all rock. I'm so grateful for the consistent, thoughtful support you have given us this year. I know we've said it many times, but thank you.

I just woke up from a three hour nap (a three hour nap t /gilligan ) and am feeling much more human.

Sean, it sounds like you may be working tomorrow when I get in, so no worries. I'm going to send out a local email to see if anyone is free.

Do they still sell Jolt Cola?

((((ND, Kristin, and family)))) I don't know what I can add to what everyone else has said.

Kristin if I had a working car I would surely help you out. I'm going to see if I can drop D off at work tomorrow and borrow his car.