Sugary Sweet Memories

 Now that Christmas pictures are blogged, I hope to spend the rest of this month getting caught up on blogging photos that have been taken throughout the year that time (or lack thereof) disallowed me from posting.  I thought I would begin this trip down memory lane with my Mom because these photos were taken one year ago, almost to the day.

It was exactly one year ago, last week, that she was finally sent home from a rehabilitation nursing home to finish her recovery among family and her own surroundings.  This was after excruciating months in the hospital and 6 weeks on a ventilator in the ICU and then the nursing home. 

Throughout the whole ordeal, and especially toward those later weeks on the ventilator, it was difficult to imagine a day where Mom would walk back into her life and home.  So when that day arrived, we gathered on the sidewalk to cheer her on and welcome her back into the world outside of beeping machines, scrubs, foreign beds and cold, white walls.

There was a strict "stand back" and "no touching!" policy which Mom promptly disregarded.  She is a touchy-feely person and was desperate for the love and touch of her people.  We scolded her and she ignored us.  She even pulled a grandbaby on her lap before we could snatch her away.  (This with almost no muscle tone at all due to being in a coma for 6 weeks.)

I should mention here that the only person she actually hugged was Hannah- my sister- whom she would be living with.  And the baby below.

This is the face of one who is overwhelmed with joy and gratitude.

You may have sneaked a peek of here at the Christmas photos but here she is again, in all her glory:

Just as lively and lovely as ever. 
As complete a recovery as ever we could hope for.

Because Mom and Dad have adopted a second generation of children (who are my own childrens' ages and who in some cases have special needs), there were many floundering people during those months.  Not to mention the practicality of a household (circus) needing an overseer (ringleader).  It was incredibly difficult on Dad to be thrust in positions he had never had before, particularly with the stresses and worries that come along with your wife being on her possible deathbed. 

But one amazing blessing during that dark time was the outpouring of love on my parents from their friends and neighbors.  Dad had meals brought nearly every day FOR MONTHS.  Ladies would come weekly and help clean their house/do laundry/etc.  Friends would come and take children for the day to give Dad a break or give them rides as needed.  It was remarkable.  

I wanted to do something to show our gratitude- at least, in some small way, to say "Thank you, you wonderful, wonderful people!"  

So I bought macarons to take pictures to make invites.  Dad rented a pavilion. I made lots of flower bouquets. I baked hundreds of treats. (I solicited help from my friend Abby to bake two batches of mini cupcakes and, because that is who she is, she wound up baking hundreds too.)  Whipped up a few signs.  My sister brought some super-awesome chili sauce to top hotdogs with.  My Mom and younger sisters prepared flower favors for everyone to take home.  And, other than the fact that not EVERYONE was able to come, the "Dogs and Desserts" open house was a smashing success. 

Mom was in her element and though most certainly totally wiped out that evening, she was the last person to leave the party.  I seem to recall forcing her to go home.  Here are a few pictures, for posterity...