Sunday, June 30, 2013

She's a lot better


My mom is on the mend. She appears to have had the flu, which is ever more debilitating in a 91-year-old. That same flu kept me in bed for three days after my son's graduation, and I believe I sent it on its way to Jamaica with my brother, who also was in bed for three days, and no doubt it claimed our mother, too. She sounds much clearer than she did a week ago, and she's happy, too, that we will be coming to visit her in a few short days. I can hardly wait. Truth is, I hate preparing to travel, both the mental preparations and the packing, but I will be just as happy when we are there with her. I'm thrilled my husband and daughter are making the trip, too.

While we're gone my cousin and family will stay in our apartment, so she can join my other cousin, the one who does college prep for kids from her husband's reservation in Montana every summer. They'll be bringing the kids on the New York leg of the program. This is their fourth year doing this. She has the kids do intensive ACT test prep classes, gives them career and college counseling, and takes them to interview workers in various capacities. My husband last year gave them a back stage tour of his museum. They also do a beach trip, visit the Washington D.C. monuments, and do a New York City tour. My cousin is an educator and a lawyer; her husband is a social worker. They live in Virginia and they both feel called to do this. So far, every single student who has gone through the program has enrolled in college after. My cousin and her husband are doing some good work with kids who really don't have many people pulling for them. I wrote about them before here.



17 comments:

  1. I'm so glad she is better. It will be wonderful for you and your husband to go there together. I'm so glad! :)

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    1. ellen, and our daughter, too. it will be fun.

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  2. So glad your mom is doing better! And that y'all are going there so soon.

    Loved the click-through to your cousin-sister and her family. Wowza. I need to figure out my calling and get to it - they are very inspiring!

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    1. NOLA, glad you enjoyed the click-through. they're pretty darned amazing, those two.

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    2. Yay! So glad she's on the mend, though the flu is no joke, especially @ 91!
      Your cousin is an angel doing such good work. I am humbled by such open, passionate and generous people.

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  3. Yeah! Glad she's better. She's a tough one. Look forward to seeing new photos and hearing about your trip! I have never been to Jamaica. You are my link to that world. Safe journey to you all!

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  4. As an older woman, as a grandmother, I look for mentors. Your mama is one. Thank you.

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    1. Ms Moon, she is a worthy mentor. She strives always for the high ground. Her whole life through. Thank you for appreciating her.

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  5. so good to read the update on your mother. i have been half-holding my breath for you.

    xo

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    1. Dear Susan t, welcome home. how was your trip? And thank you for half holding that breath, which I know is really a prayer. Hugs.

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  6. So glad to hear this good news. We needed to know so I appreciate you sharing this with us.

    Hugs to you.

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    1. Kimberly, it means so much that you hold her in your thoughts enough to need to know. I am grateful for all the good thoughts. Hugs back.

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  7. I'm glad your mother is better and that you all are going to visit.

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    1. Kristin, she called me tonight with a list of things she wanted me to bring, lotion, powder, chocolate kisses for her grandchildren. It was such a good sign. Thank you, friend.

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  8. I am so so so relieved for you! It must have been so scary and now you get to go and visit with her. Many happy hugs!

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