into the other one about my Mom. Sigh. 6 years ago

So today I had a half-day at school. But it ran late and I didn’t get to eat lunch until 2:30, which pushed back my workout until 3:30. I had to cut it short to get home to fix an early dinner for mom. I didn’t want to. I was already at the gym and I have only 3 days each week when I can go. But I told myself there will come a day when I would give anything for another dinner with mom. So I came home and made pepper steak for her. She ate it all, so I guess it was ok. 6 years ago

She was happier, in less obvious pain, and not cranky. I think she’s just old. Still, I never know which Mom will show up each day. It’s a little like living with someone with multiple personalities! 6 years ago

I’m doing the best I can but I know from previous experience taking care of a geezer, there are no good solutions. Mom is 96 and doing pretty well, considering her age and a recent heart attack. But she irrates easily, is demanding without realizing she is doing this and is easily confused. So she gets mad at saving $70 on a recent prescription that went generic. And she rails at the TV, being stubborn and even acting ignorant when I know what is really angering her is her own limitations.

Now that school has started she’s alone a large part of the day. I don’t know if the dogs are company or agony for her. It’s hard to tell. When she complains I tell her to shut them up in the back of the house, but she won’t and if I do, she lets them out. Argh!

She has outlived all her friends and siblings and I don’t know how to compensate for that. I just wanted to make her last years comfortable, in my home, not among strangers, and I fear I’m not doing a good job of it. 6 years ago