Mama's Keeper
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Its never too late to deal with the clutter
January 24th, 2010
I stumbled upon this post from Uncluttered about dealing with someone’s stuff after they passed. Unfortunately, this has been me for the past 4.5 years (13 if you count my great-grandmother’s things).
Everytime I try to bring up the subject with my grandmother, she throws a fit (yes, old people can have tantrums too) and cries which forces me to lay off. I tell her how holding on to their stuff cannot be healthy for anyone.
A few weeks ago she asked for my Mom’s table. I told her she can’t have her table until she gets rid of the one that she has. After all, I had to sell quite a few of my things in order to have my Mom’s things in my apartment. She agreed and we will move it in the spring.
With the table out of the way, it will finally give me time to go through the rest of the things in storage and finally start to clean it out once and for all.
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Posted in Administrative, Caregiving, Family, Tips. 1 Comment »
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The Christmas Stocking
December 20th, 2009
My mother made the stocking for a sewing class while she was in high school.
When I was little, Grandma and I would hang up my mother’s stocking. One year a doll would be in it, or another year candy. As I got older, gift cards would appear.
Grandma recently asked about the stocking and we thought that the other had it.
Now we are both searching for the stocking, one of the many reminders as to why Christmas was my mother’s favorite holiday.
Now, I have a stocking that I brought with my Mom, but it will never be the same as the original.
Posted in Family. 1 Comment »
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When you have to say “no” to an elder
December 13th, 2009
We know what happens when a child throws a temper tantrum, but what to do when an elder throws one?
Recently I had to tell Gram “no” on several things, thanks to the economy. One would think that she being a child of the depression, that this wouldn’t be anything new.
I tell her that I haven’t forgotten, but I would like to get paid so that I can get the things for her. After all, she’s gotten so many things for me.
There was one time she nearly cried because I brought up a sensitive topic. The best thing I could do was to table it, which is the strategy I am using for most requests unless it absolutely essential like food, and shelter.
How do you handle it when you and your elder have a disagreement?
Posted in Caregiving. No Comments »
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Be Weary when Elders Handle Repairs
December 6th, 2009
Its that time of year again, when everyone would want to contribute to hanging up holiday decorations.
However, its important to lay down some ground rules, especially when elders are involved before its too late.
Whenever Gram wants to hang something, she has to wait until someone comes over to help.
This is also the rule with smoke detectors, curtains and lights.
What understanding do you have with your elder(s) when it comes to handling repairs?
Posted in Eldercare, Tips. No Comments »
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Grandma saves Thanksgiving
November 30th, 2009
Who knew? Grandma had a frozen turkey in the freezer since last Christmas. Luckily, she had it or it wouldn’t have been much of a Thanksgiving. Of course we had our regular standard sides since Grant’s tomb. However, it just wouldn’t of been the same.
Of course, in the end we are definitely thankful to be together as a family. After all, that’s what its all about.
Posted in Family. No Comments »
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Seniors and Voting
November 2nd, 2009
Is your senior voting in this election?
Over the weekend, Grandma waits until the weekend to ask me about how to go about filing an absentee ballot. I told her that the deadline probably passed to file, but she still insisted that I go ahead and research it anyway.
I did a search for my state’s absentee ballot and sure enough, I did and the deadline was a month ago.
Last year, I escorted her to the voting place, so she was able to vote.
My advice, if your responsible for an elder, and as soon as you hear the word “election”, file an absentee ballot, even if the elder is in OK health, because you never know.
Posted in Government. No Comments »
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Forgot Grandparents Day
October 4th, 2009
Ok, I goofed big time. I forgot about Grandparents Day this year. Believe me, it wasn’t intentional. We had a lot of birthdays this past month and it got lost in the shuffle. Grandparents Day normally is not a “big deal” in the family, but for me, it has risen in importance ever since 4 years ago.
I did fess up to Grandma, and after the usual “Focus!” and “Concentrate!” litanies, she told me that Grandparents Day is anyday that I bring over something for her. Whew!
Most days, when I visit her I feel like I’m batting .300 and that’s a good day. It helps to know she’s still there for me despite myself.
Posted in Family, Soapbox. No Comments »
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Crossing the Street
September 20th, 2009
Several months ago, after coming from an errand, me and Gram were crossing the street. I wanted to cross at the stop light because, well, that’s what most people are supposed to do.
However, Gram insisted on turning the corner and seeing the garden. I hesitated because on the street where she lives, its not a major road, but buses do go down on the street and cars turn and whip around so quickly that I have my senses on super high whenever I’m crossing the street.
Sidebar: I had to give a motorist the evil eye when they tried to turn the corner and the see me with the old lady crossing the street. Don’t they know what’s its like to have a mother and/or a grandmother. Sheesh!
Anyway Gram got upset because I wanted to take to a crosswalk. I told her that I’m concerned for her safety and I had to put my foot down.
I never thought that I would have to discipline my grandmother, but when it concerns her safely and/or health, I have to step it up. Gram was annoyed, but she eventually understood.
Posted in Caregiving, Eldercare. No Comments »
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Why a mailing address is not complete
September 13th, 2009
One thing that Gram is adamant about is the local post office. She’s had a lot of issues with the post office. Well who hasn’t.
She once had a mail person once who would not deliver the mail because the address was not complete, i.e. didn’t have an apartment number on it, or the name of the street was spelled wrong. She even had to call a utility company to tell them to include the apartment number on the bill or risk not getting paid due to the bill not arriving there. It took me filing a Better Business Report on her behalf to get them to put the apartment number on the bill.
Are there any other administrative pitfalls that elders should be careful to avoid? Let us know in the comments.
Posted in Administrative, Government, Soapbox. No Comments »
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Why we have retail tax?
September 6th, 2009
Three words: World War II.
Recently I went to an organization store to get some supplies and I noticed when the cashier said the amount that the typical price was a bit higher. This is because the retail tax went up.
Grandma recently gave me a talk about taxes and how they started, as a way to raise money for World War II. The intention was to relieve the tax after the war, but it stuck.
Its always nice to get historical perspective as to how come things are the way there are and what it means today.
Posted in Government, History, Soapbox. No Comments »
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