This photo was taken on Mother’s Day with my parents and my brother and sister-in-law.
Then in May Mom went into the hospital because of a fall. She has had trouble with her heart and blood pressure for years, and has been in and out of the hospital. So we thought this was just another in her long list of hospital stays. But it wasn’t. This one lasted longer, and Mom’s organs started acting more and more like they were almost 91 years old (which they are). After 20 days in the hospital (with a brief 3 day reprieve in the middle), it was decided she needed more care and we moved her to Shorehaven in Oconomowoc. It was only a few days later that we had to call hospice in. During this time Mom and Dad decided he should move into assisted living at Shorehaven to be near her. Big changes!
My Mom and Dad have always been my biggest encouragers, especially when it came to quilting (next to Mike of course). So when they moved into Shorehaven they wanted their kids, grandkids and great grandkids to go through their condo and take some items to remember them by. And that’s what we did. Then we would visit them and tell of the wonderful treasures we’d found. It made them so happy. What a blessing!
Without hesitation I chose Mom’s cookbook.
The spine is held together with mailing tape and it holds so many memories. My Grandmother gave it to Mom at her bridal shower, and Mom recorded it on the inside cover of the book, along with a few other notes.
Mom also wrote some of her Mother’s favorite recipes inside the covers.
What a blessing! And Mom was delighted that it was my first choice. On subsequent trips through their condo, I was reminded of how supportive they were of my quilting addiction. They had quilts hanging in every room. In the front door area:
In the living room (along with some of my niece Kaitlin’s anatomical art):
Above the dining room table (along with a beautiful painting by my Aunt Hazel):
In the bedroom there were two (and yes, the roses are another piece by Aunt Hazel):
There were even 2 quilts hanging above the bathtub! The one on the left is special because Mom made it. When I first learned to quilt I decided to take a class on free form appliqué. I talked her into taking it with me and, to my knowledge, it’s the only quilt she ever made.
When Betsy and Sommer (my DIL and granddaughter) went on their treasure hunt, they chose a few things I’d made. These wall quilts were hanging in the closet, ready to be swapped out with the seasonal ones that were up.
And this afghan was one I made years before I got into quilting. I first crocheted the afghan, then I cross-stitched the butterflies on it. I made two like this ~ one for my parents and one for Mike’s. That was the end of my crocheting infatuation. I was so pleased Sommer liked it.
As we set up Mom’s room at Shorehaven I had to include a few quilts there from their condo. The Oconomowoc quilt was made for a challenge held at the Ben Franklin store, and it has started many good conversations with the dear people taking care of Mom (they have all been wonderful!).
And of course Mom needed a quilt to snuggle under on her bed. Here she is with Mike and the Lone Star quilt I made them many years ago.
A few days after we got Mom settled in her room, Dad moved into his apartment. When he was president of the Wisconsin SAR, I commemorated the time he served with a quilt ~ and that had to be the first one hung in his living room.
On his bed is a pieced quilt and above it the Lake Sinisssippi quilt ~ with the family photos on the back facing out 😊.
They’ve acquired quite a collection over the years.
Just a few months ago my parents were living in their own condo, preparing their own meals, paying their bills, and doing all the normal things of life ~ while in their 90s! Things can change so quickly. The photograph at the top of this post was from May. This one is from June in Mom’s room at Shorehaven when our grandkids from Washington, Hanna and Will, were here.
They had a wonderful time with their great grandparents, and we are all grateful for every moment we have together! The amazing thing is that when Mom went on hospice they took her off of ALL the medications she was taking, and put her on morphine and one other for anxiety. She had a week of being “loopy”, and then she started feeling better. This past month she’s been breathing better, participating in activities and telling everyone about her love for her Savior ~ and where she is going! The nurses and staff, along with all of us, are amazed!
This past Wednesday Mom and Dad took a walk down to see Lac Labelle with Kurt and Mary.
In the afternoon Shorehaven had a “camping” event that Sommer and Trey were happy to attend with me. It was a joyful time!
We thought she was leaving us for heaven in the beginning of July, but we are truly blessed to be enjoying Mom and Dad still. Each day is a gift! Praise the Lord!
Gail says
Thank you for sharing your amazing parents with us. What a blessing they must have been to you throughout all your life.
Doris Ast says
Thank you for sharing happenings in one’s life and how things can change rapidly. The quilts are great treasures to have around your parents. There are many memories to be made always.
judy raddatz says
What a wonderful post. I enjoyed every picture. God Bless All of you!
Bill H says
What a wonderful story. Thanks for sharing. I’m so glad that I’m back on your blog. Thank you for all of your inspiration!
Aileen says
I smiled when I saw Schaum Torte at the top of favorite recipes. My grandmother and mom made this often. I was in high school when a favorite great aunt passed away. My mom was asked to take something to remember her and also lo pick an item for me.. I told mom I wanted the “Look N Cook” cookbook. My mom, aunts and grandmother had one and I knew all the good recipes were there. Good memories.
Doris Rindfleisch says
Oh, my! That cookbook was the spittin’ image of my mom’s, taped together and all. I do recall she made Schaum Torte. I have a newer (and yet, old) version of a BC cookbook that was probably one of the first ones I bought for myself. I guarantee my kids won’t want it. I don’t like to cook so no regrets about not saving my mom’s BC cookbook; however, I enjoyed all the positive memories you shared. For me, “stuff” is more meaningful when you can share it together. My mom would be so happy seeing me use things she gave me; now that she’s gone, I don’t have the pleasure of giving her that pleasure so it’s just become “stuff.” I like how your four generations are still able to enjoy special things together.
Cathy Borneman says
When Angels still walk on earth! Your folks are special beyond words. Knowing the LOVE they pass on to you and your brother and all the family is a strong representation to who you are! Daughter like Mother!
Kim G Holt says
Chris, You are so blessed to have your Mom and Dad still with you and with such a strong faith. I loved the pictures and all of the quilts she has around her. Family is so important and you and Mike. Also her Grandkids.
Wanda Hanson says
I’m so happy you still have your parents and can enjoy time together. The part about hospice taking her off all of her medications and she got better has me wondering why doctors don’t think about that instead of continually adding another medication.
RHONDA FRANK says
Wow ! I hadn’t thought of shorehaven. That is where I started and learned my love of nursing. And that might be 45 years ago. I’m sure its still a wonderful place. Happy your parents are in good hands.
Pat says
What a wonderful story of family and love! It just shows is that God works is ways we may never expect and love is the key.
MaryAnn Woelfel says
Chris, although this is difficult for all of you , you all seem to be embracing the leadership of God. May your Mom treasure God’s presence in all of this and your Dad be at peace.
MaryAnn
K Christian says
Thank you for this update. What beautiful memories that are being made. Thank you Jesus!
Lisa Gelhaar says
Thank you for sharing this meaningful story and experience with this group. I am glad to know that you and your family blessings are made known to those arround you. These blessing will help those around you to grow as well during their own walk. Thanks again for all you do and who you are.
Debbie Whiting says
When my mom passed away 12 years ago, I also chose her Betty Crocker’s Picture Cook Book, exactly the same as your mom’s! Mine is complete with her bookmarks, including a punch card bill pay card from Wisconsin Telephone Company, an advertisement for Wesson Oil, a Post Toasties Corn Flakes recipe for Breakfast Cookies, and a Tas-T-Nut recipe for Apple Pecan Crisp. But most precious of all, are her hand written notes. I always use her custom recipe for Pumpkin Pie. God’s blessings to you and your family, Chris!
Cindy Pittman says
Thank you for your post. My daughter has already put dibs on my Good Housekeeping cookbook. Your mom is an amazing story. Good bless her. And I love all the pictures! Thanks again for sharing.
Pearl Mary says
A beautiful tribute, Chris, to your parents, your family, and your treasure trove of quilts. Thanks for sharing. The Betty Crocker Cookbook must have a reputation for losing its covers! Mine was given to me by my now deceased brother in 1052 for my marriage. French Breakfast Puffs became a family favofite, and I learned bread baking and pie crusts from that very book. Blessings to you and family, Mom and Dad.
Judy says
I also have that cookbook from my mother-in-law! Made my day to see your post. Gift Blessings. Judy
Gale Thull says
Absolutely love your story. I just turned 70 and am still quilting strong. But as I go looking for things in my home – I have been driven to empty entire shelves and pass things on to my nieces and nephews (there are 20). Why wait!!! They each already have a quilt and now their kids have several. But it’s been fun to see where their interests are. Many of my siblings grandkids are embarking on unique careers. So when one started professional baking/cake decorating school / I pulled out all my pans and tools and shipped them to her. My mom made wedding cakes for family but her mom made wedding cakes and wedding dresses for a living from the 1920’s thru 1950’s. I only made for family occasions but kept it up through my mom’s stay in nursing home days. It was s smaller home so I could make things big enough for the group. By the way – she was there with several relatives and several of her quilter friends. Good things in life are meant to be shared – so we all try our best. Sorry this was so long.
Mary Wedor says
Glad you had such success at the Quilt Show this year!
Always fun to hear of family love and interactions.
Diane MacIsaac says
Thank you for sharing your family and parents with us. God has truly blessed all of you and it shows through the love you have for one another.