Last weekend, the three high schoolers were down in Washington DC on the March for Life, and only one of them kept me updated with texts and photos. Guess who? Ding ding ding, that's right, my one and only girl :)
These four cuties are such great friends and I'm so proud of Maggie's choices.
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| Cousins! |
It sounds like they had a great time, and I watched the rally speakers and was impressed by Jonathan Roumie (who plays Jesus on The Chosen) and Sr. Mary Casey and her sister, Casey. Sr. Mary Casey is a Sister for Life and her sister Casey is her twin sister who has Down Syndrome. What great witnesses! Here's Jonathan's speech:
When I talked to Eamon, he said "Mom I saw Jesus today!"
I was like "I knooooow, his speech was great and I'm soooooo jealous."
Eamon quips "I was talking about in Adoration, but I saw Jonathan Roumie too".
When the bigs are away, the littles must play, so we took them to dinner at a mexican restaurant, played I Spy and 20 Questions, and got them fried ice cream for dessert because how can you say no when that's on the menu?
On Tuesday night, Andrew and Eamon finally had their soccer banquet. Most of the players on Andrew's Varsity team have been together since freshman year and that made their senior year so special. Look at those creative gifts they received!
Andrew was named a league All-Star and got the award for Unsung Hero which was such a nice surprise. Defensive players easily get forgotten because they don't score. But if they're good, they also don't let the other team score :)
He was also named a Standard Times (the Southcoast MA newspaper) All Star! He was very excited to see his write-up in the newspaper...
While Eamon was on the JV team, he played in a few Varsity games (and got a goal in one game) so he earned his Varsity Letter, also a fun surprise!
On Thursday morning, Andrew got his wisdom teeth out, all four.
He didn't say anything funny, which was disappointing because his siblings were hoping for an AFV moment. My kids are just sleepy on drugs and way funnier when sober. So remember that my sweet children, drugs are not worth it! It's always humbling to take care of a sick child or a recovering one, and it reminds me that I was not put on this earth to be a nurse. No way no how.
JP texted me that his roommate, who was randomly assigned to him because he was returning from Austria, never showed up so he has a single room. My friend Michelle reminded me that it's his first time having his own room since he was this age:
No wonder he's loving it so much!
And now some advice. Without wanting to mention any names...what kind of care package would you put together for someone who just entered hospice care? Food isn't a great option because the person is nauseous and can't keep most things down. I will definitely have my kids make cards, but is there anything else I could add to the box?
Music….maybe go in with others for a device and load it with play lists. Also treats to offer visitors. Written memories or photos, think scrapbook style or content, a favorite scented candle to set on a candle warmer so no flame needed, perhaps a bird feeder that attaches to a window, magazines or puzzle books…you can go to samsclub or similar and find themed magazines for history, or local or their hobbies and it is nice if there are stories from the years the person was a child or young adult, an easy to hold cup or glass…..those are some things that might wor
ReplyDeleteLiterally just ordered a window attaching birdfeeder and birdseed - great idea!
DeleteFor your friend, I’d recommend a gift that appeals to all the five senses, a la Gretchen Rubin’s sensorium idea… sight: abeautiful card, smell: a candle (which also relates to sight!), touch: a soft blanket or shawl, sound: a song or podcast that reminds you of them, taste: maybe small hard candies or ginger candies if they’re feeling nausea.
ReplyDeleteYes, going to buy some mints, thanks!
DeleteHow lucky for JP to have a single! Does that often last at Franciscan? Schools around here would be moving people around and the single wouldn't be a single for long. Care package ideas, depending on their interests an audible gift card so they could listen to a book, candles, lotion, unflavored lip balm as when you start to eat/drink less your lips dry out so quickly, and stamps. Because they're expensive but the person and their family will probably want to send out thank you notes.
ReplyDeleteLip balm will go in there too, great ideas :)
DeleteSoft blanket and pillow cases. Some favorite music or audio book. Playing cards. If there is a snack the person really likes, send it anyways as then they can see you remembered their preferences and they can always share it to their caretakers.
ReplyDeleteSo true about the caregivers snacks!
DeleteIdeas for a care package: My mom had a special mouthwash that was designed for dry mouth that was very helpful to her in her last few months called Biotene. Chapstick. Cozy socks and a plush blanket are nice. Maybe a holy card. Maybe a case of water for the family? When my mom passed away, the first thing someone dropped off was a case of water, and it was VERY much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteWater going in, and I'll look for that mouthwash, thanks!
DeleteIf they are under hospice care in their home, it is a great help to their caregivers to have a supply of paper products (paper plates, plastic silverware, extra paper towels and toilet paper and garbage bags) and I'd second the case of water.
ReplyDeleteAlso great ideas, you guys are so smart!
DeleteEveryone has such great ideas for your care package. The only thing I can think of is a prism they can hang in the window. Rainbows dancing all over the room bring me so much joy. I also wonder if a neck wrap that can be heated or frozen might be useful.
ReplyDeleteOff to amazon shop for both of those ideas. Love it!
DeleteMY brother received a special, warm, fuzzy blanket and was actually buried with it because it was so loved during his hospice time.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry about your brother, and the blanket was my first thought :)
DeleteMy mom appreciated an amazing brown fuzzy blanket. She also was sent a melodious wind chime that brought her great peace.
ReplyDeleteBoth of those would be great!
DeleteThese care package ideas are amazing. All I could think of was a blanket or maybe fuzzy socks.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to the boys on their soccer season and recognition. I laughed that your kids are funnier when they aren't drugged. I also related to you realizing that you weren't meant to be a nurse. Same, sister. Same. Tank and MIni did their wisdom teeth the same day and the pictures of the two of them are so funny. Hope the single room stays single.
Funny how we didn't get the nurse credentials when we have to take care of so many people!!
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