SANTA CAME TO MY HOUSE!!!!!!

Guess what?????  When Igot up Christmas morning,  I went into the living room and Lo and Behold,  I discovered that Santa had come to see just me.  I saw the plate and cup and thought Carman had come over and got some of our Christmas dishes.   But then I looked closer, and saw crums and pieces of cookies on the plate.   Strange!!!! And then a little Christmas tree caught my eye.  It was in front of the fireplacem lit up and with gifts from Santa around the base of tree.  And wouldn't you know, Santa had made footprints when he got down the chimney.  I learned later that someone had actually seen 6 Young Elfs also at my house with wrapped gifts.  Isn't that the sweetest thing for an Ol' Paps to rise and shine on Christmas morning with such a fantastic greeting.

Smoochin' time

This is a vividly portrayed pic of Carol and I in a hot embrace while sitting on the new Love Seat which was delivered Fri. 12/17.  I had suggested to management that we needed a Love Seat in the Alzheimer's Special Care Unit similer to what they had in the main Lobby and even had one in the visiting area of the Moore Unit.  Low and behold, when I got there Fri afternoon they were placing not one but two in our Unit.  They put this one in the Snoozling room and the other went to the TV room.  Goal is to have them available for relatives and visitors to the Residents in the Alz Unit.  Carol and I had to break it in. Before- Carol and I had to go all the way to Lobby or Moore Unit to find a Seat to sit in after walking all the way out to the front.  While Carol is usually two busy walking, she does like to snuggle when we have a chance.  I trained that girl right!  Later that evenng, we spent about 45 min's in the Seat and Carol even took a little nap.  My arm went to sleep but so what.  It was worth the pain. 

CAROL ELDRIDGE THE INTERIOR DECOATOR





This picture of a Christmas tree at CCC in the main dining room took me back to some great memories of Carol back when she worked as an Interior Decorator all over North Texas.  But, especially at Christmas she was always very busy.  She was decorator for Presotnwood for about 5 years until they moved to their new location and we moved to Rockwall.  Carol started off working with volunteers, our Sunday School class, on the immediate days after Thanksgiving.  Finally the church realized the job was too big for volunteers and just hired Carol and her trained team of Christmas Decorators. 

She also decorated about 10 buildings owned by Don Carter.  Mostly the lobby of these buldings but wherever, Carol's first love was the trees themselfs.  I wish she could really see these trees and remember the good ol days.

Proverbs 31:13      -----and works with eager hands.  14. ------ 

Thanksgiving Time

It is that time of the year to pig out on turkey and such.  But alsoa time to think about what we are actually thankful for.  Carol is at the center of our thanks this year.  Certainly, she is still in the final stage of Alzheimer's but God really seems to be using Carol as a Witness at the Alzheimer's Special Care Unit.  I have tried to tell you a little in the last few posts about the love she seems to be handing out to those around her.  She is so content and peaceful and really seems to like the life she is still living.  Of course she does not remember any of the old Carol,  the new Carol sure seems happy. 

The Christain Care Center just had their annual fund raising banquet and invited Carman and I, as special guest.  They had interviewed me several weeks before and included a few minutes in to their Festival of Trees 2010 DVD.  I hope you can view it by clicking below.    

Alzheimer's Spc Care Unit

Carol's unit has been able to recover Irene, the Activity aide who had been relocated for several weeks. It is a real blessing to have Irene back. She has a special knack for making the residents happier and less stressful for the rest of the shift staff. Janet and others did a valient job entertaining the residents but where really to busy with answering phones, dispensing medicine, taking vital signs, etc. Irene really has a way with activities.

The staff is so important to the operation of the Unit and we (families, residents, and especially the staff themselfs) are really happy to be back again to such a fantastic unit.

Thanks to management for recognizing the need to return to old plan.

"ANOTHER BEATITUDE"

These verses are printed and framed in a 12"x18" frame on the wall of the corridor that leads to Carols
Special Care Alzheimer's Unit at the Christian Care Center in Mesquite, Tx.   I look at it often and thought it should be posted in Carol's Blog.  

"BLESSED are they who understand
     my faltering step and shaking hand,

BLESSED, who know my ears today
     who strain to catch the things they say.

BLESSED are they who seem to know
     my eyes are dim and my mind is slow.

BLESSED are they who look away.
    I spilled my tea on the cloth that day!

BLESSED are they who, with cheery smile,
     stopped to chat for a little while.

BLESSED are they who know the way
     to bring back memories of yesterday.

BLESSED are they who never say,
     “You’ve told me that story twice today!”

BLESSED are they who make it known
     that I’m loved, respected and not alone.

And BLESSED are they who will ease the days
     of my journey home, in loving ways."

By Elisabeth Clark

CAROL IS (LIKE) AN ANGEL OF LOVE

Mary Ann is one of Carol's favorite residents.  Mary ann can stand and that makes it so much easier for Carol to give her a great big hug.

Carol seems to be taking on the role of an Angel of Love as she continues to Live with Alzheimer's.  She loves to walk around the building in her "Merry Walker".  She especially likes to meet and greet other friends, residents, staff, family and other visitors.  She will often greet them with a sweet touch facial greeting.  She loves to touch your arm, your blouse, name tag, etc.  But if you are lucky,  she will make a move towards you for a hug.  She loves to hug and talk to you in her own way.  I feel it might be the way an Angel might be to those in a Nursing Home. . All who have seen her lately agree that she epitomizes LOVE.

Carol and our son Eric.  She does show affection to others.

Carol really showed a lot of affection to this lady who came with her husband for some musical entertainment.  Carol really responded to her visitations during her songs.  Oh what love hath no man!!!

If your want to be hugged like an Angel might give you a hug, I invite you to come by and visit Carol.  She really enjoys visitors.



I am beginning to read up on Angels, especially as they relate to the emotion of Love.   If you have a comment on this new subject, please add a comment below.  Just follow the directions after indicating your request.

We love you and your interest and Love of Carol,       Bill

Proverbs 31:13-31 ----works with her hands in delight. ----