My Life in Retirement

Eulogy

2009-05-22T09:05:14+00:00

This post is being written by Amelia's brother, Tito. Millie passed away today after a short illness. It is sadly ironic that Millie's last entry in this blog was expressing her excitement about my impending visit.

When I arrived in Spain, just 5 short weeks ago, I was alarmed by her physical condition, as she was already showing marked deterioration on an almost daily basis during my short visit. She was, however, still indomitable, and remained so to her last day.

Millie was loved by virtually all she came in contact with. In just two years at the Residency, she seemed to have come to know and become endeared to scores of fellow residents, auxiliaries, nurses, Doctors, and maintenance personnel. This was due, in no small way, to the fact that she was a generous and caring person. In the time I spent with her during my visit she would often approach severely handicapped residents in her "modulo" to give them words of encouragement, or simply to greet them with a touch and a smile. This, in spite of the fact that she was, herself, already significantly handicapped by her illness.

Although I was expecting to find Millie as strong and vital as I had on my last visit several years ago, I feel fortunate that I arrived in time to spend part of each of my five days in Spain by her side and sharing loving moments with her.

She will be missed by those who knew her well and, naturally, by her family.

We love you Millie.

Tomorrow is a Wonderful Day

2009-04-14T10:30:34+00:00

O. K. so I´ve been bragging about a visit Im getting real soon. Tito, I can´t wait any more. Are you as tall as aways? are you still growing a beard? Do I still argue with you ?

Right now I´m with Reyes who is helping me develop this blog. Even though she doesn´t know as such as English as myself she has good ideas and that´s what count, ideas, Spanish, English or Italian.

We are getting more and more ideas that come from the Residence because Reyes is very jovial. But let´s get back to to the original idea. Tito come give me a big hug!

Reyes

2009-04-13T11:01:55+00:00

Reyes is a substitute receptionist who is helpful and ready to perform any duty that requires extra duties.

One of these extra duties, to my benefit, is helping me with the blog. After so long doing this blog, it is strange that I still really do not do the blog as I should.

However, one of the reasons I may be not be doing the blog right is that for the last few weeks I have been suffering from a digestive disorder that has afected my whole constitution. This I hope does not affect my brother´s travel plans. He is coming from San Frincisco to Frankfurt and from Frankfurt to Madrid. That means that I should expect him on Wednesday and let´s hope and pray he arrives safe and sound, and let´s see if I spend these two nights without extra help from the ladies of the night.

The ladies of the day are also a great help. They change my bed and not only do they make breakfast for the module. They aslo help me put on diapers which, unfortunately I need.

Librada, Reyes, I love you and will always do so!

The Damn´st way of Entering this Blog

2009-04-10T13:06:12+00:00

Yesterday was one of the most frustrating way of entering the Blog. For some reason I just couldn´t do it. But as you can see I finilly did.

But I needed the help of Pepa, our substitute receptionist. She kept on trying to get into the blog just as I did.

Well I leave this blog with much regrets and tomorrow is Resurrection Sunday and there won´t be blog.

Help us God!

Tumble Down

2009-04-09T10:52:50+00:00

Unfortunately, sometimes I have fallen off the bed and last night was one of those times. It wasn´t a bad time and one of the girls who was near helped me get on and straighten the bed.

Sometimes I have to call the bell and they come very fast and help me. To add to these situations is what I have had for the last 2 or 3 months, a digestive decomposition. And now the appointment comes for May. What can happen to me between now and May?

We have a new doctor and he is calm and gentle but what can he do to help me in my digestive disorder before May? And today is Holy Thursday. It will be 4 days before we have a doctor in the house. Is this fair? With a house full of weak ladies, should we lack 4 doctors?

I hope the rest of holy week will be more blessed!