The meeting

So we had our big meeting today at the nursing home/rehab center. It went ok, I guess. Only time will tell though.

Basically, the Dr and the nursing staff didn't feel like Steve's Mom was capable of taking care of herself. By capable, I mean mentally capable. At the same time though, they said it wouldn't' be a bad idea to let her go back to her apartment one more time and give her one more "chance" to see if she can do this. The Dr did recommend we look into taking away her driver's license away, although we already have her keys, so we are just going to keep those and not worry about the driver's license right now.

We (Steve and Melissa, his sister) told Mom that she has seven days to prove to us that she can take care of herself. She has to take her own blood sugars, give her own insulin injections and eat right. She also has to quit trying to "elope." If she can do those things, she can go back to her apartment and try one last time to live on her own. She lives in a "old folks" apartment community where they live on their own, but they get checked on and if they need something, they have someone to call.

Mom was somewhat receptive to this. She tried being stubborn and manipulative, but was quickly reminded that we weren't there to play games or anything else. It will be interesting to see how she does over the next seven days. Part of me thinks she'll be "good" and part of me thinks she will continue as she has been.

Bottom line is....you can't force someone to change and you certainly can't help someone who refuses to help themselves. You certainly can't change a 63 year old who refuses to admit she has a problem. For years, Mom has been this way-she LOVES the attention, she LOVES the meds, and she LOVES being in the hospital. It makes me sad.

On a good note though.....Steve's sister finally stood up to his mom. That was a first and I think it totally took Mom by surprise. I had told Mom a few days ago that we were all in this together and that we were making decisions as a group and I think after today's meeting, she now understands that.

I had a small emotional breakdown this evening. I told Steve, I'm at the end of my rope. I'm so tired of all the drama. So tired of constantly having bad stuff happen. I'm so tired of my hubby being stressed out all the time as well. I'm trying to be strong for him, but even the strong get tired, right? That's where I am-tired of it all. I'm physically tired, emotionally tired and mentally tired. I can't take much more.

We'll see what happens I guess over the next seven days. It will definitely be interesting.

Thank you for all the sweet comments and words of encouragement. I could feel the prayers being lifted up this afternoon while in our meeting. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Love you all!