tonight was mom’s going away party.  i decided early this week that i should get together as many people as i could to send her off.  i knew it would lift her spirits – and boy did it ever.  the turnout was insane.  it. was. PACKED.  she was so happy.  she was back to her smiling, happy, bubbly self that has seemingly disappeared for the last year or so.

there were some really awkward moments today during the preparation.  i spent a lot of the day thinking about what to have them write on the cake… “we’ll miss you?”  no – too sad.  “have fun in oregon?”  no – too weird.  dying, i imagine, isn’t going to be fun.  “see you in another life, brother?”  no – i don’t think anyone loves lost as much as kevin and i.  alas.

luckily costco was prepared for this kind of situation and had a lovely fall colored cake with roses on it.  no room for writing.  perfection.

mom spent most of the day watching tv, napping and being anxious about her party.  a day well spent really.  i cleaned up about quarter after 8 and there were still people there laughing and visiting with her.  thank you for that you guys. 🙂

me, well, i spent my day running around like a crazy person.  there is SO much to do to get 5 people ready to leave their home for 4 months.  and – i got a bomb dropped on me today.  dr. hogue (the hospitalist at bozeman deaconess) discharged my mom on tuesday of this week and i gave her the information to the hospice in lincoln city and asked if there was anything else i needed to do.  she said no – they would take care of it from there.  and so – i bought into that.  i called hospice this morning to make sure hospice had everything they needed and they informed me that had nothing.  i said, “uhh… nothing, nothing?  or nothing?”  they replied, “nothing, nothing.  no orders – no medical records – nothing.”  sweet.

so i spent the day tracking down medical records and out of town doctors to order hospice.  it wasn’t pretty.  i *almost* didn’t get a shower before the party… but kevin saved the day.  you’re welcome for that all you party-goers.  🙂

lori (the super sweet property manager we are renting from in lincoln city) called to tell me that hospice set up mom’s bed today and they have the house ready for our arrival.  i’m so glad to have found such a wonderful, kind understanding lady to help me facilitate this move.

which reminds me – you want to see our new digs?  mom is VERY excited.  and i’m so happy we can give her this gift.  we are blessed – even in the midst of the storm.

without further ado: