Christmas Eve Eve

wrote this last night but just getting it posted today...

The last couple of days haven't been great. I am beginning to think that this whole process is like the story of the frog in the bucket of milk...he struggled and struggled to get out of the bucket, seeming having more problems than solutions and taking steps back for every step forward. However, during all the struggling, the little frog was actually churning the milk into butter until he could just step out. That is what we are waiting for...Dad will step out and we will have a lot of toast!

There have been some other medical issues lately, some due to Dad's diabetes. He had his pic line moved from one arm to the other and the pulmonologist is hoping his blood gases and strength improves in order to take out the vent early next week.

His cigar club friends (Mom calls them his adult day care buddies) have been loyal visitors and stop by often. It has been difficult to keep track of everyone when Mom is not here (except Derrick, who I always recognize) but we try. As much as James, Mark, Mike, Ben, Phil, Rob, Aaron, Tom, Don, Kye, Jerry and the other young men (sorry if I forgot anyone) want to turn on MSNBC or CNN, they know that Dad still gets the final call. I also learned that the although both shows are only initials, CSI is not an option (NCIS all the way!)

As for Mom, we cannot say thank you enough to her friends. Between Alice, Suzann, Marcia, LeAnna, Cantor Debbie, and the rabbi, they are making sure she eats and takes care of herself. Add to that her new Starbucks friends, she is ordering her venti skinny lattes with 2 sweet 'n low's like a pro! Elena still does not have a GPS but now that Phil is home, she will kiss him instead of her hospital husband, do some laundry, and clean the counters. We love you Elena!

Lonnie and I got back in town this evening. He is going back to Mom and Dad's to be the cat whisperer and I will stay here with Mom. The kids are going to celebrate Christmas with Grandma back in Kalona and those of us in Des Moines are keeping our fingers crossed for a Christmas miracle for another little Jewish boy.