This was Xmas 2010, mom still looked pretty healthy and this was 8 months ago. It just shows how fast this shit takes its toll.
Today is mom's birthday. We've got most of the family here to celebrate and visit. I just pulled a caramel cake out of the oven and there's a chocolate one cooling on the rack. Major cake construction tomorrow followed by festivities and a home cooked fried chicken meal. I see lawn bowling and boards games in my future.
As an early birthday present we ordered mom an HP Touchpad tablet. It's super light and easy for mom to use and there's Angry Birds to play all day. It's nice to have something new for mom to do in her chair all day. Speaking of chair... we got mom a medical lift recliner on craigslist, so we can cross that off the wish list. It lifts her into an nearly standing position and has relieved some of Kathleen's lower back distress. Plus, it's a lot easier for mom to alternate her sitting position and relieve pressure points without having to be lifted by someone. So it's been a pretty good early birthday this year.... and she hasn't even opened any presents.
I thought today would be a good day to say thank you to everyone who has donated or reposted links or sent well wishes. The anonymous donors really get me... to be so generous and not even attach your name, it's so selfless and awesome. The named donors are amazing too, strangers, family, friends, coworkers... everyone is pitching in and it's much appreciated.
I am going to take the advice of my GiveForward.com coach, Michael, and do a 24 hour donation drive. It would be amazing and awesome if we made it to $5k on mom's birthday, so get out there, get posting and raise funds like a boss!
