A little trip to Akron

Mom was released Monday and brought out in her hospital-policy wheelchair, me tagging along with the oxygen. The lady that took us out was so sweet. She was a perfect example of the kind of attention and care mom received in the hospital. She held my arm firm and said "don't you let your mamma slip away from you." She told us about losing her mamma to a blood clot in her leg. She passed away at age 67 i think? The lady had moved away to Atlanta and kept coming back every year to visit her mamma. She kept saying "i'm moving back here to be closer to you," but didn't. She moved back and four months later her mother passed. You know I really understood that message just from having mom be in the hospital (first time EVER besides having kids), but her message was very sweet and brought the message home even more. I think mom and I both wanted to bring her back to the hotel with us. Daddy don't get any funny ideas with this.

Mom's official diagnosis is Bilateral Pulmonary Embolism. She has 9 blood clots. Six in her lungs (one in each of the three lobes that make up the lungs) and two on something somewhere near her heart, the last one is in her leg. Mixed reports about her vericose veins having anything to do with this?

You'd think from a lot of the pics taken during her hospital stay, that Mom and the rest of us were having a grand old time. In a way I think we were. Glad that it was caught is a biggy.

Aunt Barbara it was too much fun hanging out with you, Aunt Margie thank you so much for letting my sister's and I use your house, your car, and your washer & dryer! Paul, Miriam & Juliana are staying there now, until Friday. Juliana is on a swim team so it has been great for her to get her swimming training in.

Aunt Betty & Uncle Dom, it was so great to spend a few visits with you two. Aunt Betty thank you so much for all your help with the house - leaving us treats to eat and drink made us feel so taken care of. It seemed the A/C was turned on yesterday, so thank you to whoever did that!

Beth Ann, thank you for bringing us Starbuck's treats, fruit & the newspaper on your way to work. AND stopping on your way after work to check on us. It was such fun to hang and chat with you.

Colleen it was so great to see you and your wonderful kids. Such nice kids, and Tina and your girls. I feel like I have found some long-lost relatives.


Paul pulled off getting some relatives together for a brunch at the Sheraton in Cuyahoga Falls. I sure wished my kids could of been there to meet some of their relatives. Of course I didn't bring any pics of the kids - I haven't had a print made for years I think. I guess I better put together a small photo album for my purse. What a bad mommy.


Aunt Pauline saw Paul Jr. having espressos and asked for one. Her daughter, Linda, was not at the table and I wondered if it was the right kind of drink for her. She was so cute about it. "I just wanted it because it is in a cute cup" Too funny. She took one tiny sip and gave it to Paul Jr.


This was a pic Daddy took a hot-air ballon he say on his way home from the hospital one day, or on the way to the hospital, I can't remember. I imagine him taking the pictures of it and wanting to go on one with Mom.


Liza the amazing Kaiser nurse. She could read Mom so fast. I was surprised they didn't work on her to move to California.


Daddy took us kids out to dinner the last night that Chrissy was in town. We also spent some quality time at Kinko's while Chrissy scanned the pages from a treasure she found at Aunt Marge's (really she was looking for sheets!). It was an old book (?) for the St. Bernard Branch Ladies Catholic Benevolent Association.


The last name entered into it is Mom's name at age 17. Here Mom is looking at the entry for her grandmother, entered in the 1800's. We also found an old newspaper clipping with an article called "Life begins at 70 How to stay young, though old in years" Mom was spunky just like Grandma Schaffler.


The article was about the journalist attending an affair to honor a dozen member's who'd passed the 70 year mark in age. Quotes from the article that reminded us of Nannie and of how we were observing Mom in the hospital: "And there was the grand old lady of them all - Barbara Schaffler, 93 come June 17. Everyone called her "grandma" and wanted to help her. But Mrs. Schaffler doesn't need any assistance." "When I left the party, I remarked to Mrs. Schaffler that I hoped I'd be seeing her next year. She shot right back, "You bet you will!""


Colleen and son Patrick came for a visit. Paul, Miriam, Juliana & I went to visit her at her home one afternoon - can you believe it we didn't take one picture.


Juliana was very sweet to give Mom a mini-manicure and then she also combed her hair. It was very sweet.


It was amazing to watch all the visitors for Mom during her stay at Akron City Hospital. So many relatives that I should know better. Tina mentioned Christmas cards and I fear I have not sent one in many years. Hopefully I will get one out this year.

I think it helped Mom get better watching her kids waiting on her hand and foot.