Back to Reality

In the meantime, things go on here. My mother is still in the throes of pain from post-herpetic neuralgia from her shingles. We've tried acupuncture and reiki, with varying results. She is able to manage in her own house since she is off the heavy-duty painkillers, but still not driving as she is somewhat weak. She is managing the pain to a degree, but it continues to plague her daily. I suppose that the actuall instances of pain are further apart, but it's hard for any of us to realize that as she winces and cries out. We've sort of woven that into daily life, though.

My sister and I took her on a five-day cruise from Baltimore to Bermuda at the end of July. As usual, it was great; it's really hard not to have a good time on a cruise. We ate dinner each night with a family (Cheryl, Keith and their son Zachary), and had a great time. We've heard from them a couple of times and hope to keep in touch. Zachary is six and in love with my sister. My theory is that with her blonde hair and height, to kids she is like a giant Barbie doll. In any case, we had a lot of fun.

Bob's father is not faring so well. He will be entering a nursing home soon, as his Alzheimer's has progressed to a point where Irene can't take care of him herself. It's was a rather turbulent spring and summer in that regard. Bill, Bob and Irene are working on that and have found a place for him that seems very good. The specialize in caring for people with Alzheimer's and seem to have thought of everything. We pray this works out okay.

Tomorrow is my first inservice day; reality bites!