ELEVEN

I took a freelance job last summer designing greeting cards for a new Martha Stewart line. The art director explained that Martha's copywriters would later write the actual greetings, but I should write placeholder copy so they would have an idea of the general sentiment I envisioned. Then she said "Martha is a two on the sentiment scale, don't write anything too mushy". I had no idea there was such a thing as a sentiment scale, but I told her it was perfect because I am also a two on the sentiment scale! I don't like anything mushy or overly sentimental and I have no bedside manner. I like science. This is why nobody took me seriously when I said I would take mom home to live with me. Kathy ignored my initial email, thinking I was drunk. Jimmer thought it was hilarious and everyone else thought I was joking.

But my friend Heidi is an eleven on the scale. And elevens make good caregivers. Heidi worked for years in a state hospital and group homes and she is helping me until we figure out how much and what type of care mom needs.

Yesterday I was ready to fire Heidi, mom was so easy to care for. Today was Heidi's first day and I couldn't have done it alone. Mom had a rough morning. She wanted to stay in bed, refused to eat, and complained of pain for the first time.

I think she's coming down with a cold, her nose was runny and she had the chills. She also slept so much yesterday that she didn't get enough fluids.

Heidi helped me get mom to her appointment with her new doctor this morning. We all instantly liked her. She lined us up with some in-home assistance, physical therapists and a social worker. She will review all of mom's medical records and call on Wednesday to discuss a plan.

Mom woke from her afternoon nap hungry, thirsty and with clearer thinking. She ate, drank a lot and took all of her medication before going to bed at 7:00.  I am confident she will feel better tomorrow.

Mom wasn't very photogenic in the crazy outfit we dressed her in to keep her warm today, so here's another shot with Wren. He still insists on getting up to peek at mom every time she gets into bed.