Loving what I do

I sometimes get a little emotional over my work. Especially when I hear reports of elderly abuse or neglect. 


Martha and I were watching the news yesterday, and a report came on regarding a Caregiver who had stomped on the feet of a couple of elderly Dementia clients, and shoved them. My throat immediately felt tight, and anger boiled up. I watched Martha's face. I know she was thinking what I was thinking. Thank God she's safe, and at home.

What's for lunch?

Martha loves it when I just decide to make something for her, rather than making her figure out what she wants. Here's what we had for lunch yesterday:


Crescent roll sandwiches
Olives and Pickles
Salsa for "dunking"
Chai tea latte

Tip: Purchase whole food crescent roll dough without hydrogenated oil or MSG


Unroll crescent roll dough and separate into triangles. Arrange triangles so they will fit together when one is placed atop the other.


Cut real cheese squares into triangles and place on on half of the dough triangles
Cut non nitrate and nitrite-containing lunch meat into triangles, or gather gently to fit on top of the cheese. I usually just wad up some thinly sliced meat and stuff it on there!
Place the second triangle on the first, stretching a little as needed to form a border you can pinch together well. Place on ungreased baking sheet and bake iin pre-warmed oven at temperature and for time indicated on package, but check often and turn over once or twice during baking. 


Serve with a small dish of salsa for dipping, or with tomato soup. For those with limited use of hands, cutting the sandwich at least in half is helpful.

Accompany with raw vegetables, olives, pickles, or whatever you enjoy. And then - enjoy! 

When Martha Prays

Martha's son died in 1997. He was her firstborn. He, like his father, was a USAF Colonel, and flew those huge jets. He died of a heart attack while still far too young. She confessed, to the caregiver who preceded me, that she had been unable to pray aloud since the death of her beloved son. 

Fast forward to Maundy Thursday at Martha's church. I was honored to accompany her. We brought the wheelchair, and arrived 30 minutes early. the set up was very informal and friendly. 6 - 8 people sat at each round table, and shared plates of food. After the dinner portion, we had Communion, right there at the table. Each person was to pass the Elements and the wine to the next person, and there were words to be repeated. I had to help Martha, due to her severe Arthritis.

Then came the prayer, at the table, holding hands in that circle. My heart skipped for a second, wondering what Martha would do. Would she squeeze my hand, signalling for me to just take my turn?