Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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Life Updates

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Time for some updates about life here at the cottage;

Riley: Life revolves around my boy for the present and that’s just fine. Often, I am awakened at 4 or 5 in the morning by his bark. I run downstairs, lift him up and help him make his way outside where he takes care of business and then gets a nice drink of water. I put him back on his bed, go upstairs and usually, not always, go back to sleep for a while. Since I never had babies, I think this has become my time to experience middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes.

This weekend, on Saturday, he got up by himself 4 different times and walked around the room endlessly. It must have felt so wonderful to be able to walk on his own after being bed-bound for so long. On Sunday and Monday he got up one time. Today, he’s already been up twice!

This is good news. He’s still frail and needs to be carefully watched but the fact that he was able to use his weakened muscles to get up is heartening.

He’s such a stoic, determined boy and I’m proud of him.

Don: Don came home for a few days and it was so nice to have him here. He goes back to the Berkshires this morning. We had a really wonderful weekend together.

I know some people scoff at the idea of a husband also being a ‘best friend.’ Sorry. I’m here to tell you that my husband is my best friend. I’m not just repeating some Hallmark card sentiment because it sounds cute. As you know, I’m careful with my word choices. The fact is, I am extraordinarily lucky to have found a life partner who is the person I most want to be with, the person I most want to talk to and feel safe enough to confide in, the person who makes me laugh and who I trust completely. We have a really healthy, solid marriage and I don’t take it for granted. Remember, I waited until I was in my mid-forties to marry.

And, boy, did that patience pay off.

Mom: Today is my mom’s birthday. She is 85 years old. Mom, I know you’re in a nursing home, but no matter where you are or what your circumstances, you are still the same wonderful person you’ve always been. I celebrate you and all you’ve given to our family. I am grateful every day of my life for you. I love you. Happy Birthday!

Happy Tuesday.

Porch Time

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Thursday was that rare day where all the humidity and storms of Wednesday had blown away, leaving moderate temperatures, a gentle breeze and perfect weather for some family porch time.

Don played the guitar, I read a little. Then I plopped down on the glider and slept for an hour. I got up, traded places with Don and he slept for an hour. That gentle breeze lulled each of us to sleep.

Simple pleasures. With all the unbearable heat we’ve had lately, this particular afternoon was a blessing. Today Don is off to the Berkshires to work on another play. Work is a good thing, but in our line of work, it almost always means separation from our loved ones. With the joy of work comes the sorrow of being away from the family. And with Riley being so frail, it’s especially hard this time.

Have a wonderful Friday.

Oh, For Some Sleep

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It’s 9:30 in the morning and I sit here, barely awake. I had to drive to Connecticut to pick Don up yesterday and we both thought the best way to handle all the hours away from Riley would be to make the trip in the late evening and early morning hours when he’s asleep. So, still sleep deprived, I headed out around 8:30, arrived at 11:30 and with a quick stop for something to eat, we arrived home at close to 3 am. I slept for about an hour on the way home, but the cumulative effect of my lack of sleep has really knocked me for a loop.
Riley’s exhausted today – he had a restless night. Yesterday, in the middle of the afternoon, he got up by himself. I couldn’t believe my eyes. He walked around a lot and even tried eating his dinner in a standing position. He can’t maintain that for very long, but bless his heart, he gave it a try.
Oh, for some sleep.
We’re home safe and sound and the dogs are sleeping and it’s supposed to be 96 degrees today.
Happy Saturday.

Lambs Like to Party

Lambs Like to Party

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