
<BR>
<DIV>Well, it's a miracle, but we got Mom moved!</DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV><BR>
<DIV>it wasn't quite the ordeal we anticipated, but it was an <BR>
ordeal nonetheless. We got to the Rose House about 2 and all the ladies <BR>
were in the living room sitting around in a circle - having a seance <BR>
perhaps?&nbsp; So Terry plopped herself beside Ma and kept her distracted while <BR>
Pete and I packed up all her stuff and furniture and put it in the car.&nbsp; <BR>
Then we got Ma and told her we had a surprise for her, hugged all the little old <BR>
ones and left in a cloud of dust. Stopped for a McDonalds hamburger which <BR>
she said she couldn't possibly eat then proceeded to eat it all saying it was <BR>
the best she'd ever had.&nbsp; Got to Merrill Gardens and told her we were going <BR>
to look at the apartment one more time before making a decision and when we <BR>
opened the door, it looked just like her bedroom at home.&nbsp; She was a little <BR>
confused at first, but gradually began to recognize her stuff. Then she realized <BR>
what we had done and she was genuinely happy, with a smile and all.&nbsp; We had <BR>
dinner together in their dining room and she kept asking how much everything <BR>
cost.&nbsp; It will be a while before she gets the idea that everything is <BR>
already paid for and she can just have whatever she wants with no bill - that <BR>
one really floored her. Then Pete and Terry left and I stayed the night <BR>
with her.&nbsp; Just didn't want her waking up in a strange place.&nbsp; She <BR>
didn't sleep at all.&nbsp; Her feet were cold due to really bad circulation, <BR>
then her legs hurt, then she had to go to the bathroom 10 times, then she <BR>
pressed the panic button to see what it was - loud beeping and nurse came <BR>
running.&nbsp; It was a night from hell and I'm exhausted, but still glad I was <BR>
there.&nbsp; Pete came back today about 10 for brunch and will stay thru to <BR>
dinner.&nbsp; Then she's on her own.&nbsp; Well, not really.&nbsp; </DIV><BR>

<DIV>Since Steph works there, I already knew all the staff and <BR>
they've all promised to&nbsp;take special care that she makes friends, finds her <BR>
way around, and&nbsp;gets to meals.&nbsp;It's part of their jobs, but having the <BR>
personal connection can only help.&nbsp;  I'm not convinced she can be <BR>
independent, she's just too out of it, but we'll give her time to settle in then <BR>
see.&nbsp; The whole staff is young and so cool.&nbsp; It's very dignified and <BR>
nice, but they have fun too.&nbsp; Mostly ladies, all well dressed.&nbsp; It's <BR>
going to be a challenge to get Mom to dress a little nicer - she loves that bag <BR>
lady look, but we sneaked some of the really crummy stuff out of her closet and <BR>
tossed it.&nbsp; At least she doesn't have anything left with holes or safety <BR>
pins!&nbsp;  Steph will check on her every hour or so and Matt will drop in <BR>
every morning since he takes the bus to school from there.&nbsp; It's perfect <BR>
and I'm relieved greatly to have her out of that dreary, gloomy, tacky  <BR>
place.&nbsp; But I gotta hand it to them.&nbsp; She's walking fine, not in back <BR>
pain and reasonably coherent, none of which she was 3 months ago.&nbsp; She's <BR>
still way too thin, but the cook will take care of that.&nbsp; She's <BR>
wonderful.&nbsp; No tuna surprise at Merrill Gardens.</DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV><BR>
<DIV>We hung those awful portraits of us 4 kids over her couch and <BR>
she&nbsp;just marveled at them and&nbsp;enjoys looking at them.&nbsp; Good <BR>
advice from the director there - just put up old pictures and photos because <BR>
that's the way she remembers us best.&nbsp; It's&nbsp;very homey and pretty and <BR>
safe.&nbsp; What else could we ask?</DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV><BR>
<DIV>She very much enjoys getting letters and cards, so if you've a <BR>
mind to......</DIV><BR>

<DIV>Merrill Gardens</DIV><BR>
<DIV>1720 RR 12</DIV><BR>
<DIV>San Marcos, TX&nbsp; 78666</DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV><BR>
<DIV>or check them out at <A HREF="http://www.merrillgardens.com">www.merrillgardens.com</A></DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV><BR>
<DIV>Love and kisses - Jem</DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV><BR>
<DIV>PS - Carol.&nbsp; Hope you had a fun trip.&nbsp; Can't wait to <BR>
hear about Mexico!</DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV><BR>
<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV><BR>
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From: "Colvin Clan" <colvinclan@wimberley.net><BR>
To: "Carol Redding" <csredding@aol.com>, "Susan Smith" <suli@umbria.net><BR>
Subject: Ma<BR>
Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2001 17:31:40 -0600<BR>
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