Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Eunice Update

First and foremost, thank you so much to all of you for the love, prayers, and fasts on my mom's behalf. You can't begin to understand how much it means to me.

Things came to a head Sunday night. Mom came out for breakfast that morning, but when she caught a glimpse of Rex, she made some excuse to go back into her bedroom. She locked herself in the room, and then locked herself in the bathroom, where she stayed from about 9am to 7pm. Usually she admits me or one of my sisters to her little lock-down, but that day she didn't want any visitors. She refused to eat any of the food we brought her, and screamed at us to go away. My family talked it over and decided to call 911. She was admitted to the hospital against her will, which meant that some King County Mental Health dude had to come evaluate the situation, OK the hospitalization, take my official statement, and then read my mom her Miranda rights. That's right, you heard me. As in "You have the right to remain silent..." She would be held for a 72-hour period, after which time we were to appear in court to see if a judge would allow her to be held longer. So bright and early this morning I got ready to go testify against my own mother in court. Luckily, she agreed to sign some paper giving her consent to remain in the hospital for an additional 7 days, which is what the hospital psychiatrist recommended. So...my poor little mom is currently in the gero-psych ward at some hospital in Seattle. The psychiatrist has taken her off some of her medications which he thought were unnecessary, and added one: a medicine originally designed to treat schizophrenia, but shown to be beneficial in patients with dementia. I feel good about it. I know that dementia is a progressive disease. I know that medicine can only do so much, but hopefully it will take away some of her anxiety and let her have a more peaceful life. And even after all she has been through, there are moments when she is still Eunice. Like this morning when she said, "I don't know why they've got me in this place. I can walk, I can talk...whatever I have, it ain't nothin' a little whisky couldn't fix."

That's my mom for you.

9 comments:

Rebecca McAllister said...

Then give the woman some whiskey! Ha ha. Oh. Raddy...what a nightmare. At least she is safe and her meds are finally being monitored by someone who knows what they're doing. Sometimes the poop has to hit the fan for the the right plan of action to take place. Perhaps her Sunday meltdown was the necisary catalist to get the right ball rolling. I know that God loves that woman and he will not leave her or any of you with out his watchful care and guidance at this most dificult time. I love you all too.
Rebecca

k.e.l.l.i.e. said...

That is exactly what I was going to say. It is horrible how necessary trials are, but you will pull through this. And then you will figure out what a strong person you are. How is Rex? I continue to pray for you and your family. And yea, the whisky part was hilarious!

Tamlynn said...

Randi,

I am so sorry your family has to go through this. I am also glad your mom is safe and getting the medical attention she needs. You made the right decision by calling 911. Your parents are very blessed to have you.

My prayers continue to be with you.

Scott B. said...

I'm with Eunice on this one...there are a lot of things a little whisky would fix.

Bekah said...

I've always loved your mom's use of whisky as a panacea. Enjoy those lucid times with your mom. It can be nice to know that the woman you know and love is still in there. When my grandma would do something really off the wall, my mom and I always used to say that it's better to laugh than it is to cry--it's just usually a lot easier to cry.

You all remain in our prayers. I know the Lord will continue to guide you and give you the peace and answers you seek.

Becky W. said...

Hang in there Eunice. Hang in there Rand. We're praying for you here.

zeeny said...

Sorry to hear about your mom. I hope all turns out for the best. I will remember you in my prayers.
Jeni Parkin!!

Oliver said...

We continue to pray for you and your family. Even though I watched my parents deal with similar issues with their parents I feel so unprepared for this type of situation. So, I'll keep praying for you.

lilsusha said...

oh Randi!! I so feel for you. That said, give the woman some whiskey...