Country Roads, Take Me Home...

l-r: Donna, DeeDee, granddaughter Sarah and Deb

Yesterday was a good day. Grace's daughters and I spent the day together with one of her granddaughters (Sarah). When the nurse came in to see Grace, she asked if we were all sisters and before I could say anything, her daughters said, "Yes. Donna is our half-sister." Later, they told me, "You know Donna, you even look like you belong to our family." (The conversation started when they that all of Grace's children's names begin with a "D", as does mine.) I smiled to know that they love and embrace me as much as I love them.

It warmed my heart to witness the love and generosity Grace has instilled in her family. I can say, without a doubt, that she also had a hand in shaping the woman I've become, and I'm proud to be her "daughter". Although so much of what has to be done was difficult, watching her daughters make decisions with consideration and concern for her was further testament to the examples she set for all her children.

The four of us toured a nursing home/assisted living facility in town and we agreed that it would be a perfect place for Grace (as she won't be allowed to go back home to live alone). Even better is that there was a lovely room with a garden view immediately available for her. It was most important for them to find a place where she will be happy and cared-for, and this place perfectly fit their parameters.

I'm leaving for home today, but my heart is at ease knowing that Mom will be moving into her new home while I'm driving. We all enjoyed the time we were able to spend together while I was there, and although the doctors still cannot pinpoint the source of her most immediate health issue, they were able to stabilize her and improve her condition so that she was alert and comfortable while we visited. I prayed that she would be this way when I arrived, and my (and your) prayers were doubly answered.

There were no tears at our parting (which has not always been the case). She is happy and hopeful, and I am leaving her with a calm heart. We are looking forward to seeing each other again this summer and she told me she'll do her best to get stronger.

My goal is to reach Chattanooga, TN today and then finish my journey mid-day tomorrow. I'm looking forward to seeing Handsome and Tag, so I won't be taking the long route!

(Note: This is what a picture looks like when a short photographer uses the screen instead of the viewfinder on the camera. There's more than a little image distortion. Note to self: Next time, set up to use the viewfinder.)