Sunday, November 5
I awake to a sun-filled room. Grandma is lying in bed; her eyes are closed. She is resting as I had hoped she would be. I quietly get up and move around my new home, so I will not wake her. Once again, I quickly jump in and out of the shower. Having a luke-warm shower is problematic since I am used to having scalding hot water relax my body. Having learned from last night’s mistake, I vow that I will not leave her room unless someone comes to relieve me. Norman and his girlfriend stop by to visit for a couple of hours. This welcomed break allows me to venture out of my sterile quarters and inhale fresh, un-circulated air.
It is a very windy day; trees sway, dust blows, and I believe I actually see a tumbleweed roll by, just like in the movies. I call J and ask him if he can meet me for lunch at Subways. We discuss how mom is and the latest developments with grandma. I tell him about the nursing staff placing restraints on grandma’s arms, and how painful it was for me to witness it. He comforts me and tells me that everything will turn out fine. He tells me how much he and the rest of the family appreciate everything I am doing for grandma. I tell him, with conviction in my voice, “For her, I would move mountains.”
I know that my time is up and I need to return to my quarters to tend to my baby. J asks if I need a ride back to the hospital.
I kindly decline, saying, “Dude, it’s only a half a block. Besides I need to stretch my legs and soak up the sun and fresh air. Maybe later you can bring me diner; Pollo Loco maybe?”
“Sure, I’ll call you when I am on my way. Laterrrrrr!” he says as he leaves whizzing away on his motorcycle.
I enter the room, just in time to give grandma her lunch.
“Hey C, Jessica and I are gonna take off. Give me a call if you need anything, ok?” Norman says.
“Sure. Thank you for hanging out and giving me a break.”
“Yeah, no problem… see you later”
I turn, look at grandma and say, “Look my little girl, I have lunch for you. I am going to sit you up and you are gonna eat this wonderful meal that was made just for you. Before I give you this, I want to wash your mouth with the sponge.”
I understand that her mouth will dry out; however I cannot understand why she has mucus-like clumps around her lips and in her mouth. I have to constantly clean her mouth, trying to make her feel as comfortable as possible.
After feeding her, I ask the nursing staff if I can remove the restraints. I tell them that since I am here, and she has been a model patient, there isn’t any reason why she can’t have her arms loose. They agree and allow me to remove them.
For the remainder of the day, she lays in bed with her eyes closed, and speaks to Frausto asking him “why?” and repeating “the poor women with a few dollars.” To this day I have not idea who she was referring to.
J shows up later that evening with Pollo Loco and keeps me company until ten o’clock, when I tell him that I am tired and want to get some sleep. J bids grandma a good evening, kisses her on the forehead and tells her that he will be back tomorrow to see how his “baby girl” is doing.
“I’ll see you tomorrow, bro”, we both say in unison and then finish by saying “good night”

Thanks for sharing this story

Thank you for reading my story. I really means a lot to me. There is much much more about this story. I am trying to post one part of it each day. There should be about 10 parts to it.
C

look forward to the rest