Moving Mother from her Independent Living apartment to an Assisted Living apartment several weeks ago proved quite the challenge for us. Picture arriving to find virtually nothing packed, movers who arrive early, new furniture being delivered, Salvation Army folks who arrive a full 6 hours early to take away what is left except that we haven’t even begun the move at that point and they can’t come back later. Add in an elderly Mother who is understandably anxious and can't hear (refuses to wear a hearing aid) and needs everything repeated multiple times in the midst of the chaos, a front office needing admission papers signed NOW, a husband and others wanting instructions, and all of us trying to get the packing going, for starters. Nancy came from Round Rock to help for a few hours before rushing back to Austin for her 14-year-old's birthday party, otherwise it was just the two of us. Seventy-two hours later, Bill and I literally had blisters on our feet but Mother was moved in, new furniture and all, pictures were hung on the walls, and papers were signed up front. She has adjusted at the best pace an 88-year-old can with such a move of home. Had a little trouble getting her to join the others in the dining room the first few days until I pointed out that there is a $3 charge each time she has dinner delivered to her room - now she goes to the dining room all the time and is busy making new friends.

Also during this chaos, Mother lost her one remaining contact and began complaining about pain in her mouth which, upon examination by this writer, revealed a broken crown. So I ordered the new contact and it should arrive end of this week. Dentist appointment scheduled in another week. Ah yes, the Sandwich Generation.