Amber's Abode

Mixed news grab bag

From the angry at the Web file, I just found out yesterday that my best friend from school lost his mom about a month ago.  This is because Live Journal didn't show me the entry until then, even though I was properly logging in.  And he never mentioned it in chat.  I feel like such a bad friend.

When I woke up this morning, I was informed that Lillian, the matriarch of our little neighborhood here, had passed away about an hour before.  She had breakfast, and when her aid laid her down afterwards, she refused her oxygen, saying that it was time for her to die.  They thought she was just talking, but they had no choice but to leave.  She fell asleep right away, and 10 minutes later she was gone. 

She's been inside places run by this company since the early 70s.  Took the alcohol route after her husband died, and that caused early dementia.  Lillian was alternately sweet and very mean.  She hit me on more than one occasion.  But when she was happy, she would sing to herself, rocking in her wheelchair and even making the instrument sounds.  You could always count on her for a rousing chorus of jingle bells or silent night in the middle of the summer.  Other favorites were I've been working on the railroad and little brown jug.  Sometimes even Amazing Grace or Jesus loves me.

I couldn't understand her speech most of the time.  Unless she was angry.  Then everyone could hear it clearly four blocks away.  She was always talking about $1 million that someone stole from her, and when she was walking around, she liked to steal silverware and stashed it in a big blue purse.

Lillian Ludwig was 99 years old.  Rest in peace and joy without pain.  I will truly miss you, you are my favorite, and the positive spirit of this place.  I'm sorry I didn't get to say goodbye or thank you before you left.  But I'm glad it was in your sleep.  You had a good long run, and you have definitely earned your reward.  I love you.

In other news, yesterday marked seven months that I've been here.  I'm going to visit a place that is supposedly is foster care place for younger people tomorrow, but I'm not holding my breath.  I will report.

I bought a new coat and finally some new shoes the other day.  They are so much more comfortable, I wonder how I ever survived with the others.

For now, I must go perform my presidential duties and preside over a resident Council meeting.  So excited.  eye roll.

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