It's a Brand New Day

Yesterday was fantastic.  I got a very badly needed  break, thanks to my Sister, Cathy.  I was very frustrated after Mom's conduct Friday, and overreacted because I was tired.  God is trying to teach me patience and compassion, but I am not the brightest student in the class.  This might sound disrespectful, but Mom is like a poorly behaved pet:  she acts out because I create the energy that permits her to do it.  Clearly, our relationship must evolve from co-dependency to a mutual understanding.  Not easy to do when one party is a frustrated 83 year old woman who is sick of being in rehab and wants to go home.

Better talk with the social worker tomorrow, and find out how they handle difficult patients.  Mom is not the first person to rebel against their rules and regulations.  There must be a way to create a healthy environment for both patient and caregiver.  I just have to keep an open mind, which is easy to do because my mind is often blank. 

What I find frustrating is when Mom's tired, she gets very self centered and never stops to think that my health isn't perfect, and the stress she creates does not help.  At those moments, I wonder who she is:  was she always like this and I never saw it, or can this be a product of illness, age and frustration?  Will the real Betty Michaels please stand up?

Today, we are bringing Penny down to see Mom.  This should give Mom a needed shot in the arm.  If both Mom and Penny behave themselves, it will be a very good day.  Personally, I believe they will both be on their best conduct.  Just hope we can obey all the rules and regulations.