The drive to SC from PA was a long one. We left late Thursday night, hoping to drive through the night. We were delayed for two hours, due to construction, when we hit Fredericksburg, VA. We only moved 4 miles. To make matters worse, an accident in Petersburg, VA delayed our trip another hour without moving and inch.
We arrived Friday morning. I shouldn't have been surprised, but I was when I saw how depressed and weary Nanny was. She can barely move around, even with the walker, without getting out of breath. Her health is deteriorating from congestive heart failure.
For a change of scenery we took Nanny to the mall one day and the Charleston Aquarium another. Each time we returned Nanny was so tired she slept the rest of the afternoon and evening away.
I am not used to taking a wheelchair along. It's heavier and more complicated than a baby stroller! Looking for a handicap parking spot or finding places that are wheelchair accessible shouldn't be so hard.
Nanny's spirits picked up while Brandon and I were there. I will never forget the sadness in her eyes when I said we had to go home.
The trip wasn't all tears. I also visited with my Dad. I haven't seen my Dad in a long time. The 13 hour driving distance makes it difficult for both of us.
This was the first time I visited his sports bar in a town called Goose Creek, SC.
I teased Brandon that this was the first bar he ever entered… and he couldn't have a drink…
ah, brings back memories of my own grandma - God bless her soul. she found it hard physically in the end too, but he would always light up with smiles whenever one of the family came to visit. Nothing pleased her more than having her loved ones all around her. even if she was dozing in her favourite chair while we all had tea and talked around her.
ReplyDeleteOh Tami I am sorry to read this, it must break your heart to see your Nanny this way. I feel so sad for her, being ill and depressed and possibly a little lonely. I cannot imagine getting old like that, I just wish her the best of days surrounded with loving family and friends. xo
ReplyDeleteSo sorry Tami, your Nanny is such a good sport to go out and about even in her condition. Great picture of you and her! And Brandon is such a good son to go with you. Bittersweet memories. Thank you for updating us! ((( hugs )))
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you made the trip I'm sorry your Nanny health is so bad I hope your visit will bring you a happy memory some day. ((hugs))
ReplyDeleteI hope I'm not being too blunt and I do realize it's a sad outlook for her and her family. It's so much better to visit now instead of later. Some go slower (my mom) and others faster (my dad) I don't know which is better but sharing time is always good.
ReplyDeleteI've been blessed to have both my grandmother's this long.
DeleteI am so happy you got to go see your grandma! I'm sure she loved spending time with you and Brandon! And I am a little jealous, I often wish I could visit mine or just talk to them.
ReplyDeleteYou are a beautiful person and you've raised a great son! Family is our most precious gift. Every moment, even the sad ones, are priceless and moments to be cherished.
ReplyDeleteThanks Coralee. The moments were priceless.
DeleteI'm glad you brought a smile to her face. My Mom had congestive heart failure too. She was so active and social before that.
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