Five years ago, my parents started having a frequent visitor of the feline persuasion.  If you've been around this blog for a while, you might remember "Not my parents cat" or "Fuzzy" as Daniel sometimes called it. 

Several weeks ago,  I noticed that the farm beside my parents' house was vacant.  I did a little spy work on Facebook and found out that they had moved several hours away.  I sent the previous owner a private message and said that I had noticed their house was vacant and that we had inherited one of their cats.  I asked her if the cat was male or female, up to date on vaccinations, and what its name is.  

Drumroll please:  It's a BOY named JERRY.  

Mom would be tickled pink that Dad has a cat!  She loved this little guy.  

Jerry, you're stuck with us now!  

Ketchup

Since I've been away for so long, I thought I should catch everyone up on how we are doing.  

Scott is busy being Scott.  He finally christened the pizza oven his mom gave him for Christmas.  He had been wanting one for so long and it did not disappoint.  

Currently, he is busy chopping down trees in our back yard.  It started with one tree and has turned out to be around 30 (mostly Cedar trees) so far.  I told him that we were going to need to hire someone to dig up the stumps.  Instead, he built this old-timey stump puller.  

Dad.  Dad has been getting stronger which is good however; he thinks he should be allowed to drive.  He insisted that I make an appointment with his PCP to discuss this further.   He is enjoying spending lots of time with Daniel. 

Daniel is busy being Daniel.  He is still obsessed with light bulbs, capacitors, and all things electricity. 

Kevin and Rana are doing well.  Rana is traveling to Syria to visit family in a few weeks.  Kevin is busy with work, helping to take care of his family, and helping out with Dad.  

Laura is as happy as always.  She still loves to listen to every version of "Wheels on the Bus" that Youtube has to offer.  She still loves Ranch dressing, ice cream, and all things "Baby Shark".  

Blossom is still with us!  She is completely down in the back but she can scoot around the house like nobody's business.  She can also still fly like a rocket across the yard if she sees deer behind the house.  Check out the shoes that Scott bought for her.  

Balto is as sweet (and lazy) as ever.

Not My Parents Cat is still around 85% of the time.  I still don't know its name or if it is a girl or boy.  The real owners told Dad but he forgot.  UGH.  I would like to know!  

Julie.  Julie is doing surprisingly well.  I give all of the credit to God; He is carrying me through all of this.  I have a wonderful support system of family and friends.  My church has been amazing and I have a therapist that I love.  I also have started writing letters to Mom.  No, I don't believe that she can read them; it just helps to put my thoughts into words.  

I keep going through her closet and finding clothes to wear.  I carry her purses and I wear her wedding ring.  I just want to feel close to her.  I want to feel like part of her is with me at all times.  I found a card that she sent me for Christmas.  She signed it:

I had it put on a leather wrap.  I even put it on her wrist in Hospice so that she could wear it too.  

I will carry her with me always.  

The Week Between

The week between Christmas and New Year's Day has always felt strange to me.  Christmas is over but things aren't back to "normal".  Update:  This showed up in my Instagram feed this morning.  I guess I'm not the only one who feels discombobulated this week! 

Christmas Eve, I watched our church service on line with my parents. After supper (breakfast) Mom and I drove around in the rain listening to Christmas music and looking at lights.  It was nice.  

I want to be transparent in this blog.  Christmas Day started out very hard for me.  I was in the same funk that I felt on Thanksgiving morning.  I felt very reminded of the fact that things are not the same as they used to be.  The holidays now feel like a measuring stick of how different my parents are.  Mom isn't able to do much to get ready for the day.  She did make deviled eggs but something was a little off with them this year.  Dad sat down with all of us at the table, ate a few bites and went to bed.  He told me that his catheter was hurting him like it did before we went to the hospital last Monday.  We continued on with our meal and opened presents without Dad.  I was unsure whether or not we would be spending Christmas Day at the hospital.  

On a fun note, some of Rana's Muslim friends asked to make Christmas dinner for us.  It was all very good....and different!  I'd tell you what we had but I have no idea what it was called or how to spell it.   Rana told us and it all sounded Greek to me.  There's a joke behind that - I once had to explain that saying to Rana as they clearly don't have it in Syria.  It doesn't work for Rana as she actually does speak a little Greek!  (Kevin made turkey and dressing just in case any of us didn't like the menu.)  

The cat spent the entire day on the couch with us.  

Late that afternoon, Dad was feeling much better.  He told me that his catheter had been blocked but he "fixed" it.  I can't tell you how nervous that makes me.  We have an appointment with his urologist on January 7th.  I don't know if we will make it that long.  He's had 2 more days of feeling better than usual.  He even fried potatoes last night and said they were just like his mother used to make them.   

Daniel loves playing with his buddy.  

It actually snowed for several hours on Christmas morning.  It wasn't enough to stick but it was the first time I ever remember having snow on Christmas.  It was cute but I hope it never happens again.  I like warm weather!  

Mom and Dad celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary on Christmas Eve!  

We are so happy and full of gratitude that we still have Blossom with us this Christmas.  If you had asked me this fall if that was possible, I would have told you there was no way.  She is our Christmas miracle this year.  We are blessed.  

Christmas sure looks different these days.  Here's an old picture of many of my Helms family at Christmas.  I'm going to assume that it was 1990ish.  I'm in the back middle with my cousin, Jason.  My grandmother is in the middle.  Growing up, we always had Christmas Eve with my mom's sister and Christmas Day with Dad's family. I'll never forget those days.  I came from a lot of love.  

Happy week after Christmas!  I'm in the office all week.  

Almost Christmas!

Christmas is almost here.  I hear so many saying that it "just doesn't feel like Christmas this year".  Maybe....but I think it feels more special.  Gone are the busy schedules and the "have to do" lists.  This year it feels like a true "Silent Night".  It's about Jesus.  God came to earth as a baby to rescue us from sin.  

Here's a throwback to 2 of my favorite Christmas pictures: 

1.  Sadie with Santa Claus

2.  Greta Claus.  Bless her; she hated that outfit. 

Oh how I miss Sadie and Greta.  I'm thankful for photos. 

Waxhaw had a "reverse Christmas parade" this year.  I don't really know what that means but here's a picture of Daniel in his outfit. 

All of a sudden, Dad has started making fried potatoes.  Surprisingly, they are really good!  They wouldn't win any healthy eating awards but they sure are tasty.  Maybe he has finally found a new hobby....cooking.  

Check out this picture I took of mom's walker.  As you can see, she is carrying around a bag of M&M's in her basket.  Mom has a real sweet tooth and it keeps getting sweeter by the day!

Not Mom's Cat is moving.  We don't know the day.  Dad went to the owner and asked him if they would consider leaving the cat with them (since it lives at their house).  The owner said, "No" and that they loved the cat because it "isn't any trouble".  Yes, hard to be trouble when you live at someone else's house.  There were many tears shed when Daniel found out.  Mom was very upset as well.  This cat has been a part of the family for over 3 years.  The neighbors have already moved but their horse barn is staying.  There is a rather popular riding school there and the new owners are planning to keep it going.  Every day I wonder if it is the last day I will see this cat.  My heart breaks for Mom as it has become a real friend to her.  Here's a picture of Mom and the cat watching Wheel of Fortune last week.  

Last week was my busiest work week of the year.  I had so much work to do for the end of the year.  I planned ahead and brought my neck massager with me.  

Last night I went to Mom and Dad's and found Dad in a lot of pain.  His leg bag was empty and had been for hours.  I told him that was a medical emergency and we had to go to the ER.  Unfortunately, due to Covid, I had to spend the first 3 hours in my car while Dad sat alone in the waiting room.  Someone was supposed to call me and let me know what was going on (Dad doesn't have a cell phone).  Thankfully, my Aunt Zell called and spoke to someone who told her that Dad was in a triage room and to go to the door and they would let me in.  I'm so thankful for Aunt Zell's help.  

I was let inside around 11:00 pm.  Thankfully, Dad's catheter was stopped up and was an easy fix.  Once they put a new catheter in he felt immediate relief and was asleep within 15 minutes.  

Thankful and tired, I was at home on my couch at 1:00 a.m.  6 hours later.  

December Is Here

I forgot to post this one so here goes...

Today is the first day of December and I feel hopeful.  As I am typing this blog, there is a press conference on TV from the Governor of North Carolina.  I am so hopeful that these new vaccines will bring a little relief to our front line workers and our Nursing Home residents.  It has been almost a year since Mom has seen her sister, Ruby, who lives in an assisted living center.  The same goes for my dad who hasn't seen his brother, Skee.  I feel so hopeful that my parents will be able to get vaccinated soon.  I know that a vaccine doesn't guarantee safety; however, I feel like it will give them a little bit of a fighting chance.  

We enjoyed a really nice Thanksgiving.  Scott and I brought the turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce (out of the can like Mom likes), biscuits, mashed potatoes and green bean casserole.  Mom made deviled eggs and lima beans.  Kevin made macaroni and cheese, more mashed potatoes and a different kind of dressing.  

Check this out! 

This is a white chocolate raspberry bundt cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes.  My Uncle Coy and Aunt Zell gave it to me for Thanksgiving.  Isn't is amazing????  I can't tell you how good it tasted.  I also can't tell you how much it meant to me that my Uncle Coy and Aunt Zell thought of me in this way.  I will never forget it.  

Here's the big news of the day...

A caregiver came today for my mom and dad.  I was so nervous as I didn't know if I was doing the right thing.  There is a 4 hour minimum and we just really don't have the money right now.  I am taking a leap of faith and hiring her for 2 days per week.  Hopefully, we will eventually be able to afford more days.  

The Home Health company was recommended to me by the social worker in my building.  We had the initial evaluation 3 weeks ago and it was so very sad.  It was incredibly difficult talking about the kind of help my parents need in front of them.  Mom just looked so very sad.  After the owner and the nurse left, I told Mom that she seemed sad.  She told me that it was very hard for her to accept help.  My heart broke.  Was I doing the right thing?  Is it the right time?  Is this the right agency?  How are we going to pay for this?  I prayed.  The agency called and said that a lady named "Willette" would be coming on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to 2 pm.  Willette who?  Who is this person I am bringing into my parents lives?  Is she nice?  Is she safe?  Is she honest?  How will Mom and Dad accept her?  

Today my fears were laid to rest.  Willette is a lovely women who I could imagine becoming a part of the family.  Much to my surprise, Dad knew her husband's family. Actually, he not only knew them, he grew up next door to them.  Dad recited names and Willette told him what had happened to them.   Today was the perfect day for Willette to come.  Dad was supposed to go to the urologist but due to weaknesses and falling, Mom had to cancel the appointment.  We go to 2 doctor appointments tomorrow.  I feel like I live at a doctor's office.  I know that Mom was so glad Willette was with her in case Dad were to fall.  God is so good.  

Update: 

Wednesday (the day after I wrote this post) I took Dad to a doctor appointment.  I asked them to check him for a UTI since he was falling again.  Well....I was right....another UTI.  He's home and taking antibiotics so we are praying that he will stay out of the hospital this time.  

I have sad news.  Not Mom's Cat is moving. Mom and Daniel are crushed.  Oh the tears that were shed.    Daniel had spent Friday working on the cat house that he is building for it.  I'm sad too but I think that I don't believe it yet.  Dad asked the owner if they could have the cat and he said "No".  He told Dad that they love their cats because they aren't any problem.  Um no, they are always at Mom and Dad's house.  

I took this photo today.  It was on a bench inside their house: 

The neighbor did tell Dad that if the cat wasn't there when they left they weren't going to wait around on it.  

I'll keep you posted.  

Halftober

We are almost half way through October already!  Does it seem like the second half of the year is going much faster than the first?  

Several weeks ago, my hair colorist put a toner "glaze" on my hair and chopped off more of the fried ends.  This wasn't to change the color of my sliver hair but to tone down the brassy "blorange" ugliness.   

This week, I will mark "Month 8" of my grow out.  

Check out smiley!  

We call Blossom "Scooter" these days as she has become a "pro" at scooting around on her backside.  Nothing can stop Blossom!  

She can still walk a little bit and at times, she stands like a normal dog.  One thing is certain, she's still feisty!  

Today, Daniel spent about 30 minutes showing cat videos to the cat. 

I'm just as shocked as you are that the cat actually watched them! 

So,....life has been super wonky for me lately.  I have recently received unexpected (not so great) news from my doctor and my ophthalmologist.  I'm doing my best to eat healthy, exercise daily, lower my stress/anxiety and take care of myself.  Mom and Dad are still keeping me very busy but life is good.  

My boy:

It's not cold in North Carolina just yet but....

Friday, my oldest friend (not by age!) received the news that we were hoping not to hear.  She was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Thankfully, her prognosis is excellent and it is likely she will only need a lumpectomy.  We are praying for no chemo and no radiation.  She's got this and we've got her! 

So what is going on with you?  

  

September Blossom

Have you heard that the CW is coming out with a live action version of the Powerpuff Girls? Why does Hollywood have to ruin everything?  

Fighting crime before bedtime.  LtoR:  Bubbles, Blossom & Buttercup

I once wanted to adopt 2 kittens so that I could name them Bubbles and Buttercup and have my own set of Powerpuff Girls.  Scott said no.  

How is everything in your world?  We just had a Covid19 scare in my office. My boss' son came home from college and tested positive.  As of last week, my boss and his wife tested negative but, they are still living in the same house as their son.  I was briefly around my boss 6 days ago so I'm being extra cautious around my parents.  I stay more than 6 feet away and wear a N95 mask when I am with them.  It is making caregiving rather difficult this week.  

Last Friday, I had my first session with a new Psychologist (via teleconference).  I can tell I am really going to learn a lot from this Dr.  It was time; I realized I needed help learning how to manage caregiving both parents and anxiety all while living in a Pandemic.  I'm overwhelmed and not sure how to juggle everything.  She has given me such hope and great advice already.  We meet again on Friday.  

Daniel loves wearing his wolf ears from Great Wolf Lodge.  He loves wearing them so much that his dad had to threaten him to keep him from wearing them into Wal-Mart.  I think he would have been the most normal looking person there.  If you are wondering what is in his hand, it is a dog grooming razor that he had just found in my parents' basement.  He asked me if it worked.  I told him to wait until Pawpaw went to sleep and try it out on his hair.  

I've never known anyone who loves water as much as Daniel.  He has always been obsessed with hoses and nozzles.  I think he'll end up designing water whirligigs some day.  

(Not) Mom's cat says hello...

She loves this cat so much.  

When I finished petting Blossom I turned my head and saw this in my face...

Blossom is practicing yoga now.  I really centers her as she deals with her neurological disease.  She's a natural at Down Dog.  Up Dog is pretty easy for her as well.  Cat Pose, not so much.