Friday Cocktails – December 9, 2022

Friday has rolled around again, which means it is time for Friday Cocktails! I have skipped a few of these truthfully because I haven’t felt like writing them. So, I thought I would do one this week. I enjoy them but things here at home have been a bit stressful which I will get into in a moment.

As I said things have been more than a bit stressful and not just because we are getting ready for Christmas. Ma had a mini stroke the other night. She is fine and was right after it happened. However, it scared the crap out of me. She spoke to me but I couldn’t understand her. I asked her to repeat herself and after a couple of times not understanding I got up and went over to her. I thought she was just speaking low.

Instead she was mumbling and when I asked her what she said she kept fidgeting and had no idea who I was. Then she asked where she was. When I turned to call for help she just sort of snapped right out of it. My sister said it was dementia or Alzheimer’s, both of which we have a family history of. However, there was just something about the way she was acting and couldn’t get the words out that made me think she was having a stroke.

A trip to the hospital and brief stay revealed that she had in fact had what is called a mini stroke. They put on some medication that will hopefully prevent another one from happening. She also went on oxygen recently. You should see the sheer amount they bring you. She got a large concentrator which she uses here in the house. It pulls oxygen from the air for her. Then she got a large tank as a backup in case the power goes out. Plus three small bottles for when she is out and about. They did give her a bag for them but it screams medical bag.

We found her a backpack on Amazon that had holes for the tubing to come out and she is able to carry much more easily. Plus with the tubing in the bag it is better hidden and she won’t have to worry about it dragging the floor or catching on something.

As I said, she is doing okay now. The only problem she seems to be having is occasionally not being able to come up with the word she is looking for. It takes a minute here and there. Hopefully that will improve. She gets so frustrated because it is right on the tip of her tongue but won’t come out.

We have been going to therapy to help with that. Now we are getting ready for Christmas. Normally we don’t do a turkey or ham but Ma said she wanted ham this year. That means I have to go buy one over the weekend. I’m going to be honest and tell y’all I typically buy all holiday meals needs and gifts early to avoid holiday crowds.

I love the holidays but am not a fan of the crowds. Although recently, we got Walmart+ and I am a huge fan of that. With it I can scan my items as I am shopping and then go to the self checkout, scan the qr code, pay on my phone, bag up my items, then leave. No huge line or waiting. If you haven’t tried it I highly suggest that you do.