We came home to find everyone still alive and getting along rather nicely in our absence. Katrina’s loving care for her Grandmother certainly exceeding my own care for her. In fact, I think Susan enjoyed the change as much as I did! Katrina made delicious meals, bathed Susan, took her on outings and even invited guests into our home.
Of course, Susan did have her moments on the edge, but overall things went splendidly. What would I have done if Katrina could not have come? I really don’t know. I am sure that not having a getaway plan causes burnout to caregivers more then anything else. There needs to be a plan for time out in any job with a high burnout rate. A time of refreshing and renewing of mind, spirit and body. Any caregiver needs to take this seriously and so do those who love them or support them. Thanks Katrina and Kyle for supporting Jeff and me.
True to form, Susan’s antic’s kept humor in the home while we were away. One night in particular, Katrina had dinner guests, including Kyle’s grandparents. Susan enjoyed having visitors and apparently wore her ‘Susie-Q’ face; the pleasant one that brings out her charm and makes her smile a lot at others. She loves nicknames; I think having one for people (or they for her) makes her feel closer to them, like they are close enough to have nicknames.
So on this particular night, when meeting the Grandparents, who are obviously younger then Susan (at least it is obvious to everyone else), she asked them if it would be okay if she called them Mama and Papa!!! I hear that the gracious visitors obliged Susan by telling her that, “yes” she could call them Mama and Papa. The funnies part is that Susan thinks she is much younger then she is, so to her this seemed perfectly appropriate. Besides, Mama and Papa didn’t seem to mind.
(This picture of Susan tells it all, doesn't it?!)
