Originally, BBS agreed to help with Uncle J when our grandpa was in poor health, but when Grandpa passed away, BBS jumped in with both feet, going to visit Uncle J six days a week, taking him home cooked meals, cleaning his home, taking him out in the community (he doesn't drive or have any friends to take him out), taking him to (and being responsible for him at) all our family functions, inviting him into her home for holidays and her kids' birthday parties and generally being awesome company for him when not many other people go to visit him. Our family pitches in (one cousin went once a week for about a year, I did it once a week for several months, Dad does a lot of Uncle J's maintenance work on his house, etc.) but no one has been as dedicated as BBS. Schmo was very little when BBS started caring for Uncle J and probably doesn't remember a time when Uncle J was not a huge part of their life and Doll Baby and Princess have never known anything different. A lot has happened lately and BBS must be having a rough time coping, but she's such an amazingly strong woman and has just kept on keeping on. This is our email exchange with her update on the situation.
From: Karen
To: BBS
Subject: Re: Update on Uncle J
You're amazing :) I love that you remember to update everyone and keep everything so positive. I just want you to know how proud I am of you for sticking with him for all these years and continuing to be his biggest advocate and most loving visitor. I'm so lucky to call you my big sister!
From: BBS
To: (our entire family)
Sent: Wednesday, September 5, 2012 2:55 PM
Subject: Update on Uncle J
Hi, Family!
I wanted to contact you all to let you know what I know about Uncle J. He is currently living at (name) Nursing Home off of (name) Rd. in (name). (not far from [name]) He has been there since August 15th when he was moved from (name) Hospital (he was there for 3 days). He was taken to the hospital for general complaints of not feeling well, not wanting to eat, constantly rubbing his head, neck, and stomach. Many tests were run at the hospital and the general conclusion was that he must have had a stroke at some point in the past few months. Aunt S and I think it was around the time of his "first" fall in March. He has been receiving Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech Therapy daily at (nursing home). Yesterday, he was moved to a "permanent" room. The room is # and it is on the # floor. I'm sure he would appreciate any time you can spare to go and visit. I visit on (day) and Aunt S is there quite often, but new faces are always nice. As of now, he is continuing therapy. I know that will end whenever there is determined to be no progress, but for now those appointments tend to be early in the day and over by about (time). You can always call ahead to check his schedule or go to therapy with him if he is there when you visit. They welcome visitors in the therapy rooms. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.
Love,
(BBS)
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