Thursday, October 8, 2009

Misc.

I had a hospice volunteer here for two hours today. I pulled weeds and just generally tried to put the garden to bed for the winter. It was wonderful to be able to be outside without worrying about Mom. I enjoyed myself very much.

To be honest, I was sort of amazed it actually happened. When hospice asked how many hours of volunteers or aides I wanted, I didn't know how to answer. Wait, I can have a volunteer? Really? How about two hours? I was worried I was asking for too much. I was hesitant to ask for that much. I was afraid to get my hopes up. It had happened too often before. I would find an organization that looked like they could help, and then oops, sorry, we can't find any volunteers for your area. I had given up looking for help anymore. If there were no expectations, then I couldn't be disappointed. So to be asked, how many hours do you want was almost overwhelming.

The hospice nurse is suggesting that I have more hours. The volunteer lives only three miles away, and she also suggested I ask for more hours, because she is available.

I wonder how many caregiver lives have been saved by hospice.

Ok, to brighten things up around here, this is Ollie.

I can almost hear him saying, "If you make me get up, you'll be sorry."


12 comments:

Lily said...

Wow, what a long neck Ollie has! Does he graze from trees, like giraffes?

Cindy said...

Please take advantage of their help. It will give you so much more balance. And, I love Ollie. Do you think he and Grover would get along;-P

gale (she shoots sheep shots) said...

Ollie is a looker! Love that neck photo. I am such a sucker for an alpaca.
Please ask for more hours, Annie, they wouldn't offer if they didn't want to give.
It's a blessing to let someone give help when they offer, even if it feels like you're just taking.

Lynn said...

Great to hear you are getting some time to use as you please; milk it! It'll do your heart good and fortify you for what is ahead. View it as Providence!

Anonymous said...

It's great that you found a caring volunteer who lives so close by!

P.S., I always love the pictures that you take, can I ask what camera you use?

Mama Pea said...

Everybody is right . . . you've given so much for so long. It is time you had some real help. Even your mom will benefit from you being able to get just a little relief and balance in your life. Go for it!

joyknits said...

So glad you're getting help! Love Ollie - he looks like attitude personified (alpacafied?)!

(formerly) no-blog-rachel said...

Love Ollie - what a face! And I'm glad you have a volunteer to give you a little time for yourself.

Tracy Hudson said...

That last photo is priceless! Says it all. (Whatever "it all" is...) So good that you can take care of yourself, at least in small spurts.

And don't worry, the Kinda Cobblestone is going to work - just keep a flexible attitude. Your yoke yarn is beautiful.

rilera said...

Ollie is so cute!

I'm glad you are getting respite from hospice. They are a fabulous organization. Take advantage of them as much as possible.

Annie said...

Lily, he does like to eat tree leaves, as a matter of fact.
Cindy, Ollie is good with dogs. Is Grover good with llamas?
Anonymous, I use a Canon Digital Rebel. I think the first version they came out with.

Mare said...

I love his face...