Who doesn't love a weekend with Nana! It was so good to see the sassy minx and I'm not gonna lie, I kinda wish I could go back. Like right now.
When Perri and I got off the plane and walked to the car rental desk, I realized I had no idea where Nana lived or how to get there. I have gotten so used to these trips, to getting in the same Hertz Nissan and driving to the same house, that I hadn't allowed myself stop to think that things have changed. I have been in denial since my last visit in January. Nana moved and now lives in an assisted living community. So of course I knew where she lived, but I didn't have an address or directions. The only bit of information I had was what she had given me on the phone last week: "You make a right, and then - I hate to say it - you'll see something that looks like a cemetery, and that's where I live."
Great.
Luckily her neighborhood looks NOTHING like a cemetery because I think I would have lost it right then and there. She immediately sensed my discomfort and kept saying things like, "It's not so scary, right?" and "See, I'm not so old." Oh God, I am starting to sob as I type this. Life is moving too fast. I just want to slow it down and sit with Nana for awhile.
I wish I didn't have to come back.
But I did, and for now all I have is photos, so I will share some with you.
Nana and I in her new home. Doesn't she look great?
Cousin love.
Delicious desserts by my very talented baker of an aunt!
World's cutest baby (other than Perri in her heyday, of course)
Sisters.
I hope and pray that I will have many, many more Nana tweets to share with you all in the years to come.
I love the first picture. Your Nana looks so pretty (and so do you!).
ReplyDeleteOh, Teddi. I know exactly what you mean. My sweet grandmother is 86, and we're coping with the changes in her life as well. There are so many emotions and frustrations involved in the process.
ReplyDeleteWishing y'all the best. Keep the Nana Tweets coming; I love them!!
Nana looks fantastic!! glad that you and Perri enjoyed your visit.
ReplyDeleteI am sure its strange visiting her in an assisted living facility, change is difficult to absorb, especially when it comes to older people.
As long as she's happy and you and your family feel that her safety and health are being attended to, its the best place for her.
I love reading #nanatweets# and hope to see them for many years.
Your Nana looks great. This period is hard for all of us with living grandparents who are older. It is a big big adjustment. Mine have all been pretty okay but one set (the older ones, my maternal g'rents) are both suffering from congestive heart failure and certainly slowing down. My 94 (this weekend!) Pappy complained while the Home Health Care worker was at their house checking on him and she told him to reel it in as he is the healthiest of her 30+ clients. Pretty funny huh? It is all about adjustment and perspective.
ReplyDeleteI love that she has made her space so homey, so fast! It looks lovely.
you guys all look fab (esp. Nana)
ReplyDelete...my grandfather lives in an assisted living facility and really enjoys it. He said to me once, "I am over 80...I deserve to have people do stuff for me now".
He is in the part of the facility with his own bungalow and very little assistance, but its there if he needs it. I know how you feel, but as long as she is happy that is #1.
Cute, cute photos! Love the bubble necklace, too. :)
ReplyDeletelove the green dress & necklace! where are they from?
ReplyDelete