Over the past couple weeks, Grandma has expressed a desire for a couple items. It hasn't been the first time she's mentioned these particular things - but our answers regarding them are typically the same.
G: I was wondering.
Me: What were you wondering about?
G: Well, is there any way I could get a drivers license?
Me: No.
G: There isn't?
Me: No.
G: Why not?
Me: Well, for one thing... you don't have a car anymore. Why would you need a license?
G: Oh... just in case I wanted to drive somewhere.
Me: We take you everywhere you need to go. People from church give you rides there. I can't think of anywhere you'd need to drive - so you really don't need a license.
G: I just thought it would be good to have one.
Me: When we talked to the doctor a couple years ago, she told you "no driving" and "no using the stove."
G: She did?
Me: Yes. So no drivers license.
And then there's the cell phone. Grandma takes note of every single member of our family using their cell phone.
G: Do you think I should get one of those?
DH: One of what?
G: What you have there.
DH: A cell phone?
G: Yeah.
DH: Probably not. You have the land line and the only person you call is Ruby or us if we're not home.
G: I just thought it would be something I should look into.
Me: You used to have a cell phone Mom.
G: I did?
DH: Yes, when you still drove. It was good to have when you were away from your apartment a lot.
Me: But you had trouble pushing the numbers because the keys were small.
And her phone wasn't nearly as small as what cell phones are today. I had written instructions for her on how to make calls, answer and end a call.... Since she couldn't figure out how to use the "phonebook" (which I had set up with every one's numbers), she had little stickers all over the back and sides of the phone with our numbers written on them. It was a great source of entertainment for us.
G: I don't remember having one, but if you say I did...
Me: You did.... but there's really no reason for you to have one now. If you really need to make a call - you can always use one of ours.
It was about two years ago when I knew Grandma was slipping a little. I went to pick her up at D1 to take to a funeral and noticed as she got in the car, that she had the handset to her telephone (land line) in her purse.
Me: What's with the phone Mom?
G: I thought I should bring it along.
Me: To a funeral? Why?
G: Well, in case someone tries to get hold of me....
Me: Mom, that's a regular telephone... It won't work away from your apartment.
G: Yes it does. I take it to Harriet's or the Community Room and it works fine.
Me: That's because it is close to the base. It won't work at the church... and that's why you have an answering machine. If someone calls you - they'll leave a message.
G: Okay. I'll leave it in the car.
Me: Good idea. I'm going to leave my cell phone in the car too.
A few days ago, Grandma wanted to discuss her finances.
G: I need to know how I'm standing.
DH: What would you like to know?
G: Do I still have that annuity?
DH: Yes you do.
G: I think I'd like to take some money out of it. There's some things I'd like to buy.
DH: They automatically send you some money each year.
G: They do?
DH: Yes, that's how you set it up
G: I did? I don't remember that.
DH: You set it up a long time ago, when you were remembering things better. They deposit the money into your account every year.
Me: What are you thinking about buying Mom?
G: Oh, just a few things.
Me: What kind of things? Maybe we can help you if you tell us what you want.
G: Well maybe I don't really need them - but I thought if there was some money in the annuity, I could get a pair of slippers.
Me: Slippers?
G: I used to have some. I don't know what I did with them.
DH: Grandma - you have plenty of money in your checking account to get slippers.
Me: Mom... you just need to tell us when you want something.
At this point, she's probably thinking... "Yeah.... that worked real well for me with the drivers license and cell phone..."
Friday night, DH and I went shopping... CeCe went with us. At Walmart I announced we needed to look for slippers for Grandma. We found some fluffy ankle high ones in pink or black. I rang Grandma up (on the land line).
Me: Hey - we're here getting your slippers. Would you like pink or black?
G: Oh, I don't know. Black would probably go with more things.
Me: That's true, but it's not like you're going to wear them out and about.
G: OK ... just get the black.
I put the black slippers in the cart when CeCe saw some moccasins.
CeCe: Get Grandma some moccasins!
Me: So you can wear them?
CeCe: No, really. Get her the moccasins.
Hmmm. Fuzzy inside... firm sole... it just might work. I looked for her size.
CeCe: Get brown.
Who am I to argue?
We got home and presented Grandma with her new slippers. I told DH to hang onto the receipt, we could be taking them both back.
G: Which ones do you think I should keep?
Me: Keep em both Mom - you're worth it.
G: I probably don't need two pair.
After a while, she announces:
G: I think I like these. (the moccasins - score CeCe!)
The next morning, she decided she wanted to keep them both... and we applauded her choice to do so. She was happy and we were probably happier. With all the times we have to be the bad guys (and after the last episode, DH refers to himself in the third person as "Good DH" and "Bad DH") it was nice to make her happy (without going to the Bank!)
So ends Episode 48
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