Mother - Callie Bloomberg - A trip to Texas

I almost didn't even apply for the job in Germany knowing that my Mother is 88 years old and had been having increased medical difficulties since her diagnosis with CML (Chronic Myloid Leukemia) about 3 years ago. The medical treatment for this disease has proven a delicate balance between benefits of the treatment and side effects. Yet, I did apply for the position and when I finally told her about it, her response was "Nancy, that is wonderful, you and Craig would have so much fun." Her pure attitude of support was so convincing that I took the job and moved to Germany, all the while knowing her health was a delicate balance. Well, the balance is now tipping toward the decline. Following a week of increased inability to even stand, mother checked herself into Eastman Estates, Assisted Living Facility in Longview, Texas. She did move in great style having my sister, Margaret, run her around and purchased new furniture for the big move. So on 15 November, she moved into assisted living. That was going well until she required hospitalization 2 weeks later. At this point Craig and I made arrangements and flew back to Longview. We arrived there on 2 December and she had been discharged from the hospital and was back at Eastman Estates. The doctors reports have not been good, yet her spirit and drive continues. Following medication adjustments and physical and occupational therapy she was making good progress. Anyway Craig and I enjoyed almost 3 weeks in Texas with numerous hours helping Margaret out with Mother. As she continued to make progress and stabilize we made plans to return to Germany on 21 December. We returned to Germany and while we were not yet recovered from jet lag, mother was again hospitalized on the 23rd with uncontrolled blood pressure and now a diagnosis of CHF. She has continued to have a great spirit and Margaret has provided a home cooked Christmas dinner delivered at the hospital. The plan is for a hospital discharge in the next day or so to receive therapy at a Skilled Nursing Facility with a hopeful return to her new home at Eastman Estates. The medical reports are not good, yet we know her life is in the Lords hands.

I just want to say Mother has been the best Mother in so many ways. She has been a dedicated Christian all her life and together with Dad they made a Christian home that was truly lived. They helped so many people over the years. Mother loved entertaining in her home. She loved cooking for a crowd and playing bridge or other games after the meal! She has been a friend to so many and yet last week I sat in her room addressing her Christmas Cards to so many of these friends, some new and some lifelong.

Here are a few photos from our recent trip to Texas. Timothy came down and visited for 2 days, bringing his girlfriend, Milenda to meet us and to meet his grandmother. We all enjoyed his visit. My neice, Callie Jackson came from Memphis and helped Margaret get ready for Christmas and then came again with her husband, Raines and children Emily and Logan to celebrate Christmas early with Margaret and Mother.