Card Games

Today, my mom (Charleen), Jessie, and I (Sammie) went up to Huntsman because I am out of school from gum surgery yesterday. It was a beautiful day in Salt Lake City. When we got to the hospital at around 11:00, we sat in her room and visited until we all got hungry. When Grandma was ready for lunch, we walked up to The Point Restaurant and ate. Grandma ordered salmon :) After eating lunch, we returned to her room and played card games. Uno was the first one we played. Then, it was memory. I think Grandma had a lot of fun playing these games! We also brought her some ginger snaps from Trader Joe's and she enjoyed them! It started to rain a little, then we had to leave before rush hour. It was so fun to go up and spend the day with her and just have a good time. Here are some pictures of our day :)

-Sammie Lee

 I had to take a picture of her favorite necklace that she wears every single day no matter what. It's so cute!!

Graciously & Gratefully

Today my mom told me that Grandma Smith (LaRue Smith) would comment on her own aging hands. She said that she now is understanding how she felt and what she was talking about. 

My mom said that she has been thinking about the women who have meant so much to her that didn't get the chance to have aging hands. She said Ann Attwood, Carol Bushman, Susan Jones they didn't get the chance to age. She went on to say that she has decided to age graciously and grateful.

I look forward to spending time with my mom even if it is at the hospital. We have been on the hunt to find things that sound good to her. Today I brought up snacks that she said sounded good. I am over trying to get her to eat healthy. Now I'm bringing her anything even if it is candy. 

Dad just showed up with a homemade beef brisket sandwich. She said it was the best thing she has eaten in days. I guess he gets the prize today. Bonus points for healthy.

Today mom is back up at Huntsman. She will be there until Friday. This is the second part of round three. Our job is to keep her spirits up and the pounds on. 

If I think of anything good information to post I'll let you know.

Thursday, April 23

On April 23, Missy took Jessie and I up to the hospital right after school. We just chilled out with Grandma for awhile, and looked at pictures on our laptop. Then, we ordered a peach smoothie. About a half an hour later, we convinced her to walk to the Bistro with us to order dinner. We ate our food, then walked back to the room to hang out and watch tv. Shortly after, Grandpa and our dad came up and ate dinner. Today was a great day. We love coming up to see Grandma!

-Sammie

Mothers Day 2015

Yesterday was a great day with the "Whole Damn Family". It's ok to swear when you quote your parents right :). When I was growing up that's what it was called however it was with the most sincere appreciation and love because it was a good thing to all be together.

The food was delicious but mom wouldn't know because she is not feeling well. The chemo is taking it's toll on her body and mind. She uncomfortably laid on the couch with her facemask saying how good the food was, forcing a smile, and keeping up conversations about our kids lives. She is facing her trials with such grace. She looks beautiful!

Her white blood count is at a 1 and it should be 5 or above. We are doing our best to keep her healthy enforcing a fist bumps=hugs and kisses. Charleen told her it would be a shame to beat cancer to die of a cold, wear the mask.

It is taking a team of us to manage her medication and appointments. We are all doing well and doing our best to care for our mom.

We love our mom!

Round 3!

(Announcer voice) Welcome ladies and gentleman to the main event of the night, in the category of CNS Lymphoma vs. light weight champion Barbara Jeans Jones Smith. This week we will be continuing the battle at round 3 of 5.

In the red corner we have a nasty viscous competitor who is failing miserably to gain any hold whatsoever during rounds 1 & 2. Ceeeentral  nervous system lymphomaaaa, (booooooo). Its opponent in the blue corner weighing in at a mean lean 126 lbs comes to us from Scottish blood ready to take it on. In her fiery spirited red haired temperament the reigning champion Baaaaarbara Jeans Joooones Smith! (Crowd cheers yeeeeah)

Go mom! Good luck tomorrow.