June 19 Visit

Sorry this is so late. We were on vacation for 8 days and I'm just getting back into the swing of things!

Before we left, me and the kids went to visit Gramps. We got there at lunch time. There are two new guests living there now. Eunice (sitting to Gramps' right) is very nice. She seems very physically capable and very sweet. Of course, adoreable Hazel was there!

The other resident is Mr. Bill. He is hilarious. I asked him where he was from and he said "the United States of America!". He always making jokes...quite the character. Here he is sitting at the end of the table. You will notice the bookcase on the left. That is Bill's. It is full of pictures of family members, I guess. I asked him who the people were, but he said "I have no idea"...not sure if he was joking or not.

Gramps wasn't very talkative that day. He was eating fine on his own. I always like looking at his blue, blue eyes. I told him that I had gotten my blue eyes from him. I've looked at a lot of different eyes in my day, and Gramps has some of the clearest eyes I've ever seen!!

Anyway, he remembered that Dad had been there with two friends. After questioning him (& Hazel), I figured out that it was Ken and Janice Van Dusen.

After lunch, Areli moved Gramps to his comfy chair and hooked him up to his oxygen. I know he uses this at night and I guess also during the day when he's just resting. I don't think he likes it, but Areli makes him put it on anyway. Hazel has had a cough/wheeze for the last week and they had her hooked up to an oxygen tank, too. Let me tell you, she was not happy about that!!



I plan to go and see Gramps again tomorrow. I'll post an update later. Send me a quick email if you went to visit Gramps and I'll post it as well!
Thanks,
Melody

Sunday visit--from Darrel

I saw Gramps on Sunday afternoon. He was aware we had been to Montana on vacation, and was very alert. We watched the end of the Women's U. S. Open together. He seemed very content.


Leroy Watson, a friend from Tyler had called him just before I got there.

Darrel

Note from an old friend...

Hi,

My name is Debbie Beckham and I lived in Tyler when Franklin worked at the bank. I live in Arlington now. Just about 1 mile from Pops. That is what I called him when we were living there. My husband Steve, Franklin, Mary and myself use to play alot of UNO together. David P called me on Friday to tell me Pops was living here in Arlington so I went to see him Friday evening and spent about an hour with him.
I had to tell him who I was but after that I think he remembered me. We sang Amazing Grace. Of course sweet Hazel was there to update me on everything and everybody.I did most of the talking but he would answer me when I asked him question. We talked about playing UNO, dancing and the bank. He had to introduce me to the sweet lady that worked there, he told her we were old friends and good friends but he could not remember my name. I did not catch her name. I am going to try to go see him again this afternoon.
I live so close if there is everything I can do for any of you please let me know. I am not sure you is keeping up the blog but Thank you. I love Franklin and would be glad to do anything I can do to help his stay at the house more comfortable.

Because He Lives,
Debbie Beckham

Karaoke Fun with Gramps--Friday, June 6

Today was a fun day at Gramps' house! Janet came out for the first time. She was already there when I got there w/ the kids at 11:00. Susan was just getting there to set up karaoke! I found out that she comes in from another house (she works in Kennedale) to do karaoke every day from 11-12.

After she set up, she put on "Besame Mucho" and she and Gramps sang it together in the microphone. We all know by now how much Gramps LOVES the attention (especially from the ladies!), so he was loving this! Mason had a few tries at karaoke and then later played a few songs on the piano.

Two residents from the first house, Sam and another woman whose name I don't know, came over to listen to karaoke. Sam was really into it...he was singing and got up and danced with Susan.

It was lunch time so everyone sat down for lunch. Gramps was just sitting there and I asked him if he was going to eat. He said he was waiting for someone to show him how! I joked with him and said I KNEW he could feed himself, but I went ahead and started to feed him anyway. A few minutes later, Areli says "Buddy, I know you can feed yourself...you ate all of your breakfast by yourself just this morning!"...to which Gramps put his finger up to his lips to say "Shhhh...calle se boca" (which means shhhhh, be quiet!). He is quite the character!

It was a great visit. We had a nice conversation w/ Hazel as always. Jim was totally asleep for the whole karaoke. Areli also mentioned that Gramps had stayed and slept in his bed all night. So, maybe that is getting better. The bed alarm was in place last night according to her.

Anyway, here's a picture of me with Gramps. Since I'm usually the one behind the camera, I thought I should get a shot of myself in there.

I think Gramps is doing well. He seems to thrive from being taken care of and showered with attention. Everyone there at the house really loves him.

Thanks to Sam and Ann Jones (Gramps' neice from OK) for sending him a sweet card. We read it to him several times.

On another note, Areli said Gramps needs some more pants b/c his other pair of jeans is too small! I thought this was great b/c he probably is gaining weight! :) So, he was wearing Lee Jeans that were 36X32 and these fit him good.

Enjoy the pictures from today!
Love,
Melody

Update from Dave-O ~ June 5

When I went to see gramps today I learned Frank had passed away. Miriam, Areli, Frank and Hazel went to his memorial service this morning.

The lady who was filling in was Rosie. She told me she floats between the 3 houses. She was very cordial and friendly. Gramps liked her. He kept calling for "Number 7"-maybe it's what he calls Areli. He wasn't sure. (He used to call Sarah Moats #9)-not sure why.

His nurse Gail was there conferring w/ Dr. over phone about gramps meds. His b/p was a little elevated and pulse a bit fast so they are going to put him back on toporal. They had taken him off because b/p was too low a week or two ago. Other than that she said he is doing fine and is eating good.

Gramps was in good spirits and I took him a CD of one of David O Dykes sermons(his pastor). I'm not sure he absorbed it but really smiled upon hearing his voice and thanked me for bringing it. Tim Roberts, one of the assistant pastors sent me the CD. By the way-David O Dykes can preach!

I am very thankful to the Lord for his providing where he is. All of the people who work there are believers and that makes a difference. It is not perfect and we still have to trust Him and the folks to take care of gramps.

Gramps did fall last week trying to get out of bed. He did not hurt himself -has a scratch on head. I purchased an alarm that sounds when he gets out of bed but I don't think he has tried to "escape" since. Not sure if the alarm is effective as no one was there today who would know.

Dave_O


P.S. From Melody...Janet and I & the kids are going to see Gramps tomorrow at 11:00.

Update from Darrel-O

June 1, 2008

Karen, Hunter, Griffin,my Dad and I went to see Gramps today. He was doing fine, and was glad to see us as always, especially the boys. He napped for the first part of the visit so we talked with Hazel about pretty much everything. She is the same age as Gramps, and we decided that Karen (my wife) is going to be just like Hazel when she is that age (ha! ha!).

Gramps also has a new weekend caregiver, Angela, who was very nice and really likes Gramps. He is still having trouble staying in his bed at night. He said he tried the bed last night, but "hollered" until someone came to move him back to his recliner. Still not sure what the issue is there, but he said it was too hot in there.

Frank is still in the hospital, and will be returning soon, but not to the same house Gramps is in.

We were there for about two hours, and left while he was finishing his lunch. Had to get back for kid's activities and company this afternoon.

Hope everyone is well.........