At this moment there are just a few things to report.
-Hospice has brought in a bed, which we hope will make his father more comfortable. The Hospice nurses are very caring and helpful.
-Harold is grouchy and hard on his care givers. Thankfully, his caregivers have a lot of patience and there are a lot of family & friends rotating through the home.
-Their continues to be a lot of visitors and at this moment they are welcomed.
-Jerry is spending the days in Athens with his family. Sophia is with her Nanny's & I am working. Jerry spent the night on Monday, but last night he came home to spend with us.
-The Mourn Family Reunion on Sunday is cancelled.
-Sophia is winning the triple gold star for making her mom crazy! She is going to Nationals next. In fact, I think she will skip over the Nationals and go straight to the Olympics.
I can't put a finger on her tantrums and endless screaming. Here are my thoughts.
-She does not like Jerry and I together.
-She is testing Jerry to see if she will get any attention from him.
-Her eczema is itching and she is miserable.
*Today, I looked up a class at the Elizabeth Blackwell Center to see a Toddler/Parent class to dissect her behavior. Too bad they are not until September.
-At this time, I don't have vacation planned. We will see how things progress.
I will post more soon.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
Emergency Leave
Jerry made the decision after talking with his family it was time to come home to be with his father. I called the Red Cross and Emergency leave was granted. Jerry was on the 1st flight home. He arrived at 10am Saturday and we drove to The Plains.
We did not share the news with his family in fear that their would be a flight delay, etc. So the house was filled with excitement to see him. Sophia for once was Chop Liver!
Q: How long will Jerry be home?
A: He has a 10 day leave and if needed can be extended to 20 days.
Q: What did Sophia think of Dad?
A: At 1st, she smiled and said he could come along but as the weekend pressed on, she WON the Blue Ribbon for making her parents miserable. Needless to say, she will be staying at home for the week with her normal caregivers.
Q: Why was Sophia so cranky?
A: I don't know, I am assuming that she does not like her mom showing affection to anyone but her.
Q: How is Jerry's Dad?
A: How do I say this.... He is in pain, uncomfortable, and in/out of consciousness. Mostly out. This weekend Hospice came into the home and Thankfully, the act of swallowing medicine is no longer a requirement. They have given Harold medicine that can be injected into the side of his mouth and adsorbed through the cheek. We are hoping the new medicine can hopefully help with the pain.
Q: Is Harold up for visitors?
A: There are a lot of people in/out of the home. At this time, the family is okay with visitors and they will let you know if the time is not right. Harold enjoys the conversation around him, likes for his back to be scratched and his hand held. He is not communicating.
Q: How do you get a hold of Jerry?
A: His old cell phone is turned on.
I will report more later.
We did not share the news with his family in fear that their would be a flight delay, etc. So the house was filled with excitement to see him. Sophia for once was Chop Liver!
Q: How long will Jerry be home?
A: He has a 10 day leave and if needed can be extended to 20 days.
Q: What did Sophia think of Dad?
A: At 1st, she smiled and said he could come along but as the weekend pressed on, she WON the Blue Ribbon for making her parents miserable. Needless to say, she will be staying at home for the week with her normal caregivers.
Q: Why was Sophia so cranky?
A: I don't know, I am assuming that she does not like her mom showing affection to anyone but her.
Q: How is Jerry's Dad?
A: How do I say this.... He is in pain, uncomfortable, and in/out of consciousness. Mostly out. This weekend Hospice came into the home and Thankfully, the act of swallowing medicine is no longer a requirement. They have given Harold medicine that can be injected into the side of his mouth and adsorbed through the cheek. We are hoping the new medicine can hopefully help with the pain.
Q: Is Harold up for visitors?
A: There are a lot of people in/out of the home. At this time, the family is okay with visitors and they will let you know if the time is not right. Harold enjoys the conversation around him, likes for his back to be scratched and his hand held. He is not communicating.
Q: How do you get a hold of Jerry?
A: His old cell phone is turned on.
I will report more later.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Sophia's Weekend
Sophia & I had a busy weekend.....
I got away for one day to New Hampshire for our friend Nate Jacobs wedding, but I will write about that craziness another time, but I felt very Bridget Jones.
It was Kale's 1 year old B-day. He is the son to Angel & Jeremy who are fellow military officers of Jerry's. The other couple, I can't remember their name, so I will call them Carolyn's parents. The father is also in the military and the mother is my new BFF. (I guess not really if I can't remember their names, but I had a great connection with the family). Their daughter Carolyn is turning 1 this week and she was running all over the place, pushing everyone down, stealing other children's toys. I felt that Sophia had finally met her match.
Vroommmmmm.... You know, if I brought this toy to our home, she would not take to it or play with it. So, I am glad this huge toy is sitting in Jeremy & Angels living room.
This chair kept her occupied for maybe 2 minutes.Play the video. You will see Sophia has the Mourn trucker in her.
Sophia and I went down to visit the Mourn Family on Sunday. Jerry's sister had arrived from Texas and they were having a neighborhood picnic. It seemed everyone on Harper Street came to enjoy fellowship. I would like just to give you a quick update on Harold's health. As I mentioned earlier he has been moved home to be cared by for family & friends. Swallowing is very difficult, so he is having trouble eating and taking medication. He also struggles to talk, so he is quiet and just likes to listen and take in other's conversation. Harold has many many visitors and sometimes it seems like there are too many, but it has always been this way at the Mourn home. Harold does not know a stranger. I think this is a Mourn trait, as his children are all the same, and so are the relatives. Below is a photo of Jerry's brother Michael with Sophia. It was hot on Sunday!!!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Report
Dear Friends and Family,
I have just two things to report & say.....
1. So, I wrote an interesting blog entry and letter to the editor. I hope you know that the entry was not a cry for help or complaint about the support I have received.
I wish I would of articulated more on was........ My talk with the military wives was a compiled list of all the kindness we received and a few hints on how we could use some additional help. The feelings/thoughts in the entry were not just mine. We all talked and praised our neighbors, church members, family and friends for their support. Every one of us had a story to tell about someones kindness. Please understand that we do appreciate your support to our soldiers and keep sending the cookies & notes to them.
So, I am hoping that I did not hurt any one's feelings. Sophia and I have been supported and loved by so many. I have ran out of thank you notes due to everyones kindness.
2. I feel it is necessary to touch on the health of Jerry's dad. Last week Harold was taken to Athens Hospital. He received wonderful care, and made the decision to be transferred to Lancaster hospital where he could be close to his cancer doctor. His cancer has spread and at this time Harold made the decision with his family and doctor to return home where he will receive care by his loved ones. This Saturday his daughter Janalee will be coming into town to spend the week with the family. Jerry is still planning his break for late August.
I am hoping my next entry can be on a more positive note.......
I have just two things to report & say.....
1. So, I wrote an interesting blog entry and letter to the editor. I hope you know that the entry was not a cry for help or complaint about the support I have received.
I wish I would of articulated more on was........ My talk with the military wives was a compiled list of all the kindness we received and a few hints on how we could use some additional help. The feelings/thoughts in the entry were not just mine. We all talked and praised our neighbors, church members, family and friends for their support. Every one of us had a story to tell about someones kindness. Please understand that we do appreciate your support to our soldiers and keep sending the cookies & notes to them.
So, I am hoping that I did not hurt any one's feelings. Sophia and I have been supported and loved by so many. I have ran out of thank you notes due to everyones kindness.
2. I feel it is necessary to touch on the health of Jerry's dad. Last week Harold was taken to Athens Hospital. He received wonderful care, and made the decision to be transferred to Lancaster hospital where he could be close to his cancer doctor. His cancer has spread and at this time Harold made the decision with his family and doctor to return home where he will receive care by his loved ones. This Saturday his daughter Janalee will be coming into town to spend the week with the family. Jerry is still planning his break for late August.
I am hoping my next entry can be on a more positive note.......
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Letter to Editor
So very few newspaper articles evoke my emotion. However, on the 4th of July there was an article in the Columbus Dispatch in the Metro section about a lady sitting next to 2 soldiers on a plane who were going on their 2 week break and wanting to treat them to a pampering break. The soldiers told this travler that they missed the basic things like their own bathroom, shower, bed, etc. The article included a website where people could donate items, meals, services, ets for the soldiers leave.
While, I think this jesture is very kind, it evoked a very selfish feeling inside.... This selfish feeling I will share, becasue I am human and still angry. Here it goes..........
WHAT ABOUT THE FAMILY MEMBERS AT HOME LEFT TO WORK JUST AS HARD AND NEVER RECOGONIZED AS HERO'S OR RECEIVE SHINY METALS????
So this is what is so funny.... I spent Sophia's nap time on Saturday outlining my letter to the editor Ann & Sunday's Sophia's nap finishing it. Ha Ha! I can't believe, I wasted such precious time writing this letter. But it is sent and the damage is done. Here is my letter.
Hi Ann,
My name is Tiffanie Grove, and this is the first time that I have ever sent a letter in regards to an article. Last week, your article was on my door step which marked one of the many holidays apart from my husband and 1/2 way mark of his 2nd Military deployment with the National Guard.... It was a tough day, the weather was rainy, the sky was gloomy and our daughter was especially cranky. I had failed to make any kid friendly plans and I found this to probably be one of my loneliest and hardest days.
So.... I read your article and the desire to send a letter was almost immediate. However, I decided that I would wait a week and see if the feeling was still there. Then my neighbor brought me a copy of the article wanting to know if I read it....
I took this as a sign to drop you a note. I understand the story teller Melissa North's emotion of wanting to pamper the soldiers. Yes, they are making a huge sacrifice, their comforts are not available like to us at home. They do deserve a lovely, relaxing and stress free break.
However, there are other hero's and these are the military families and spouses at home. Their sacrifices are often not recognized or rewarded as Heroic. We are left working just as hard, pulling long work shifts, then pulling ALL the family shifts. We are mowing our lawns, making home repairs, taking every late night baby crying shift, dealing with difficult teenagers, paying the bills, getting food on the table, etc... We are exhausted as well, we also would like the opportunity to sleep in, shower more than 2 minutes, eat a meal in more than 2 seconds, go out to a restaurant, take a nap, watch a movies, go out alone, etc.
So I would like to make some suggestions as to how people who say they want to help, can help. There are so many different ways to help instead of sending a letter to the soldier or baking cookies. I can reassure you that if a Soldiers family is watched over, this is worth all the letters in the world or beef jerkey. Last night, I brainstormed with some soldiers wives as we swapped stories of help/no help and ideas. Here are our ideas.
-Don't just say to the family member, if you need some help give me a call and we will help. The correct approach is..... Hey, I would like to come over this weekend and mow your lawn or watch your children or make some repairs. Many of the family members don't mind asking for help, but it gets old and it's very difficult because we can't reciprocate at this time.
-Make the family at home a meal. Maybe organize a weekly/monthly meal with your neighbors.
-Let's say you have similar age child and maybe they are in the same activities... Offer to pick up/drop off the children. Or simply help the parent with getting the equipment out of the car (i.e. stroller, cooler, lawn> chair).
-Maybe their is a family member that has more than one child and they are struggling to get order, simply help round up the children, or get them settled at the table or church pew.
-If you offer to have the family over for dinner, make sure the parent gets to eat. So often they are getting their children settled, meeting the need of their children and then they don't get the opportunity to eat. Offer to hold the children or entertain while they eat in 2 seconds flat.
-Many times we are approached by local groups that say they want to do something for the soldiers. A different idea would be, offer to serve a meal to the family members and provide a childcare for the event. This would give the opportunity for the family members to have fellowship, talk and share what they are feeling. It is so very difficult to have fellowship when our children are running around.
So here are a few ideas. As it was reported in late 2007, their were approximately 2,000 Ohio/Michigan Soldiers deployed the 1st of January, 2008. This is the largest deployment since WWII. There are a lot of families in need of some extra help. Please know, your kindness will be payed forward!
Thanks Ann for hearing my story and suggestions. I don't claim to be a grammar guru, so please kindly overlook any mistakes. I would like to remain anonymous if any of the above is printed.
Sincerely,
Tiffanie Grove
While, I think this jesture is very kind, it evoked a very selfish feeling inside.... This selfish feeling I will share, becasue I am human and still angry. Here it goes..........
WHAT ABOUT THE FAMILY MEMBERS AT HOME LEFT TO WORK JUST AS HARD AND NEVER RECOGONIZED AS HERO'S OR RECEIVE SHINY METALS????
So this is what is so funny.... I spent Sophia's nap time on Saturday outlining my letter to the editor Ann & Sunday's Sophia's nap finishing it. Ha Ha! I can't believe, I wasted such precious time writing this letter. But it is sent and the damage is done. Here is my letter.
Hi Ann,
My name is Tiffanie Grove, and this is the first time that I have ever sent a letter in regards to an article. Last week, your article was on my door step which marked one of the many holidays apart from my husband and 1/2 way mark of his 2nd Military deployment with the National Guard.... It was a tough day, the weather was rainy, the sky was gloomy and our daughter was especially cranky. I had failed to make any kid friendly plans and I found this to probably be one of my loneliest and hardest days.
So.... I read your article and the desire to send a letter was almost immediate. However, I decided that I would wait a week and see if the feeling was still there. Then my neighbor brought me a copy of the article wanting to know if I read it....
I took this as a sign to drop you a note. I understand the story teller Melissa North's emotion of wanting to pamper the soldiers. Yes, they are making a huge sacrifice, their comforts are not available like to us at home. They do deserve a lovely, relaxing and stress free break.
However, there are other hero's and these are the military families and spouses at home. Their sacrifices are often not recognized or rewarded as Heroic. We are left working just as hard, pulling long work shifts, then pulling ALL the family shifts. We are mowing our lawns, making home repairs, taking every late night baby crying shift, dealing with difficult teenagers, paying the bills, getting food on the table, etc... We are exhausted as well, we also would like the opportunity to sleep in, shower more than 2 minutes, eat a meal in more than 2 seconds, go out to a restaurant, take a nap, watch a movies, go out alone, etc.
So I would like to make some suggestions as to how people who say they want to help, can help. There are so many different ways to help instead of sending a letter to the soldier or baking cookies. I can reassure you that if a Soldiers family is watched over, this is worth all the letters in the world or beef jerkey. Last night, I brainstormed with some soldiers wives as we swapped stories of help/no help and ideas. Here are our ideas.
-Don't just say to the family member, if you need some help give me a call and we will help. The correct approach is..... Hey, I would like to come over this weekend and mow your lawn or watch your children or make some repairs. Many of the family members don't mind asking for help, but it gets old and it's very difficult because we can't reciprocate at this time.
-Make the family at home a meal. Maybe organize a weekly/monthly meal with your neighbors.
-Let's say you have similar age child and maybe they are in the same activities... Offer to pick up/drop off the children. Or simply help the parent with getting the equipment out of the car (i.e. stroller, cooler, lawn> chair).
-Maybe their is a family member that has more than one child and they are struggling to get order, simply help round up the children, or get them settled at the table or church pew.
-If you offer to have the family over for dinner, make sure the parent gets to eat. So often they are getting their children settled, meeting the need of their children and then they don't get the opportunity to eat. Offer to hold the children or entertain while they eat in 2 seconds flat.
-Many times we are approached by local groups that say they want to do something for the soldiers. A different idea would be, offer to serve a meal to the family members and provide a childcare for the event. This would give the opportunity for the family members to have fellowship, talk and share what they are feeling. It is so very difficult to have fellowship when our children are running around.
So here are a few ideas. As it was reported in late 2007, their were approximately 2,000 Ohio/Michigan Soldiers deployed the 1st of January, 2008. This is the largest deployment since WWII. There are a lot of families in need of some extra help. Please know, your kindness will be payed forward!
Thanks Ann for hearing my story and suggestions. I don't claim to be a grammar guru, so please kindly overlook any mistakes. I would like to remain anonymous if any of the above is printed.
Sincerely,
Tiffanie Grove
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