Midgie at Meadowood Saturday 10/30/2005

October 30, 2005: Sunday

Midgie at Meadowood, her 4th Week.

I did not have Rebecca nor Peggy today and will not have either Monday. Rebecca is off having some cataract surgery and Peggy is off Sunday and Monday. Mother, according to the weekend RN, Debra Alexander, mother cooperated OK and ate her breakfast without help and got her bath and clean clothes for the day.

Mother ask to call me about midday as she was going to church services there at Meadowood. Karen took the message from mom and she was fine just wanted to know where I was. I was dressing on my way and I called Jack and he was there already after church and was helping her with her lunch.

I got there about 1:15pm and she and Jack were fine and I got up all the 2 days of dirty laundry and headed toward 513 Alice Street. I put the clothes on to wash, put on eggs on low to cook to make mom and Judy some Chicken salad sandwiches for their mid-afternoon snack. I looked around and mom needed a few things from the grocery store, so I ran this errand while the clothes were washing.

I shopped, got her some 2 qt. size containers of 2% milk to put in the refrigerator in the hallway and put mom’s name and room number on the bottles. The clothes had finished washing so I put them on to dry and started making the chicken salad. I called and ask Jack if he wanted one as I was making 2x what I normally make so I will have salad for sandwiches for them for Monday pm. I finished all, packed up, changed all of mom’s lighting, made sure nothing was on or running and left.

I met Bobbie in the hallway on my second trip out to the car to get all of mom’s things in. I got the clean laundry hung, sorted, matched, and made sure all had her name in them. Bobbie and Jack and I visited as Midgie and Judy (and me) ate our chicken salad sandwiches. Jack left late afternoon and Bobbie left when her dinner came. I got mom situated, portioned her dinner like she likes it and I too needed to get out of there as it as now almost 6:00pm. I called Karen as I left and was home by 7:00pm.

Jack said he would be back out Monday afternoon after school and I will be there about lunch until Jack comes. I get the late morning shift today and brother Jack the pm shift.

Mom seems to be doing OK but no real progress reports on weekends as the people are flex pool and weekend employees only and they know very little about mom’s progress. I will be there today Monday October 31, 2005 and maybe more news tomorrow.
Keep us all in your prayers and thanks Laurie for the nice email response about mom!
Those keep us going!/love/hug/prayers/

Brother and son Jeff

Midgie at Meadowood Saturday 10/29/2005

Saturday morning and an update on your sister, mom, aunt, and grandmother and friend. I look at who has been to the Nutter-Northcutt site and you are the reason I write this about our almost 91 year old southern lady. This is has been and is a tough transition in her's and mine and Jack's life so keep all of us in your prayers. We have to make some critical decision this next week as to mother's safety.

Jesus spoke in parables to the people of his time as he knew they would not understand HIS teaching so he spoke of the times and of fields of grain, planting, harvesting, as these people worked the land and this they knew. I tell people about mom that we are rebuilding her 1991 Oldsmobile as I did for over 4 years. When I finished fixing the car up, it was still a 1991 automobile!

Mom is doing OK and is responding to physical therapy and speech therapy and social activities. The things I cannot provide at her home the social interactions she needs so badly? I am trying to come up with a plan to take her to her home with more nursing care rather than moving her to an assisted living like Galleria Oaks that I like so much.

You have to keep in mind the car I fixed so many years. I fixed the AC, rebuilt GM compressor and changed over to the newer refrigerate, a $800.00 bill. I get it home a day or two and the water pump went out. I replaced the water pump twice and the second time I was north of Atlanta and it necessitated replacing the water pump again as well as the radiator, replacing all the cooling system, again almost $800.00. I replace the alternator as it went out early on when I got the car from mother and it went out again coming back from NC on the way to Gadsden to the Northcutt reunion, $300.00. Jimmy got me to the GM dealer and they replaced it in less than an hour at closing time Friday afternoon. I replaced the battery from Sears, $75.00, as it went out on me one morning going to 513 to take care of mom. Again, new parts being applied to used 1991 parts and you wait now for something else to break.

Mom is like the Oldsmobile when I finally admitted it was becoming a money pit. Mom is not a money pit, but she does have a limited income and limited resources and I have just taken $5,000.00 out to put in her checking account. Just as I did for mom, I went into my back pocket and bought the CPO 2004 Taurus from Town and Country so I would have dependable transportation. They gave me $1,000.00 trade in on mom's Oldsmobile where as the Blue Book said at best, it was worth $500.00. It needed shocks and front end struts, two new Goodyear tires and the headlining replaced so I was looking at another $1,000.00 plus to put into a 1991 Oldsmobile. It was not a hard decision to make was it.

The above exercise is letting you know in my way, you can care and love something but remember it is, or she is, only capable of so much. I talked to Dr. David Barthold, and he told me again she can only come back so far. I share with you what Dr. Christopher Portante said to me when we moved her to Meadowood. "You have not failed! You have been a good son, and she has lived at her home more than 4 years beyond what I gave her and you so many years ago. She now needs more structured care that you cannot provide at home." Please forgive the pronoun YOU, as he is referring to all of us, Jack Nutter, Bobbie, Edwina, Peggy, Rebecca and me. I got the job of managing mom's affairs by default as I had just retired when mom got sick in 2001. Jack Nutter or Bobbie would have done the same!

So it is time to make a big time decision. Keep us, all the Nutter-Northcutt families and pray we make the right decision for mom's care from this next week on. She will be at Meadowood until about Friday, Saturday or Sunday as that is or will be her 20th day. This can change if Dr. Barthold discharges her before then.

Love to all,

Jeff

Midgie at Meadowood 10/28/2005

October 29, 2005: Saturday 8:00 am

Good morning family! Peggy went about 1:00pm Friday and I got there about 2:30 pm after getting her mail and neating up her house and bringing some new pants x 3 from Walmart Karen got for her.

She has plenty of tops but was running short of matching or contrasting pants to wear to P/T, Church, Bingo, and other activities at Meadowood. The speech therapist came late Friday and we addressed mom's hearing. She refuses to wear her hearing aids but really needs them now more so than ever. Mother complains about the 'noise' she hears when she has them in her ears. The hearing aids amplify everything, including noise and sounds you would normally ignore or tune out. But she would choose the quiet of some partial deafness to hearing all the noise, a 90 year old thing.

I or we are trying to convince her that she needs them to understand people when they talk to her or listen to the sermon at Church there in the parlor. There is entertainment, music, singers, etc who come on weekends especially that mom needs to hear! I am taking the hearing aids back to her today or Sunday and we will see again how she fares with them.

Another note of big time interest. Ms Rebecca has some eye surgery scheduled for early Monday am, so mom will not have the benefit of Peggy nor Rebecca Sunday and Monday. I have double covered mother the last two weeks there with familar faces to assist her to get her back as far as she can come. Next week will tell the tale. Jack and I and Bobbie will have to decide just where mom needs to be to be 'safe'. I don't know if going back to 513 Alice Street is an option right now. We may, may, move her to another health care facility, a little less expensive and more family oriented with nicer rooms and less noise. Keep in touch.

I may not go out there today, Saturday 10/29/2005. Peggy will be there at about 1:00pm and I did laundry at mom's Friday night and Peggy will dry this and take to mom so she should be fixed with clean clothes and pajamas for the weekend.

Keep mom and all of us Nutter/Northcutt family in your prayers. We are at another cross roads for mom so pray we make the right decision for her and that she remains 'happy'.

Son Jeff

My mom Midgie at Meadowood Thursday 10/27/2005

My mom Midgie at Meadowood Thursday 10/27/2005

Family and friends,

I did not see mom yesterday but talked to Peggy when she got there at lunch and a report back about 4:00 pm when they were downstairs in the dining room for Church! It was a good call and I talked to our Midgie on Peggy's cell phone. Peggy, fortunately, has T-Mobile as her cell phone provider as do Karen and I so it does not cost her anything to call me. I help Peggy with her T-Mobile bill to have this kind of direct contact with mom as she does not have a phone. Really mom does not need one, as she is not good on the phone. I kept the phone at 513 for you guys and calls out, not for mom to talk on it...another story.

Peggy said mom was feeling good, had a good P/T that am and she had walked for Peggy on her walker when Peggy can scare one up. They do not want a walker in the room with mom right now as she might fall if she attempts this w/o assistance. I spent the am finishing up about 5 hours of Zeigler business and have some to do this late am. But I take this time to write you and give you an update.

Yesterday I called VA, Meadowood (where she is), talked to the RN at Galleria Oaks, and the marketing director whom I just adore. The RN saw mom Thursday and yes, she will fit in at Galleria Oaks, but not at Parkwood on 150, nor The Park at Riverchase where I visited Thursday pm. I am using Peggy's time and Ms Rebecca's time with mom to do some serious research on where mom can be if in the next week we find she cannot be taken care of at 513 Alice Street, her home since 1936. We are trying!

Gotta go, lots of calls and visits today, her bank, moving some $ into her checking, getting some reports from her doctor David Barthold and the nursing staff at Meadowood.

I do have a one major gitch in things right now. Ms Rebecca who normally is with mom on Sunday and Monday will be off with some cataract surgery Monday. Midgie is open to anyone who chooses to be there any time during those two days as Ms Rebecca and Ms Peggy will be OFF. It falls on me, Jack and aunt Bobbie, so feel free to jump in either day. Mom would be so glad to see a new face.....I promise you that you will walk away with a blessing in your life. It is not hard as the staff does the work, she just enjoys the comfort of a familiar face, a loving face, of family or friends she knows.

Keep mom and the caregivers in your prayers.

Son Jeff

Mom and her Permant at Meadowood 10/24/2005

This is Tuesday am and here is an update on mom after spending the afternoon and early evening with her at Meadowood. I got there as she was finishing up her lunch and hopefully, she continues to eat like I am seeing today. At 513 Alice Street, she complained if the food was different from what she liked or expected! But here, she rarely complains and that is good. Oh, complain yes, but not about the food.

I had done her laundry the day before and picked up two more changes of day wear to hang in her closet. There is always a large clear bag of laundry every day. They change her into fresh pajamas, a fresh suit, underwear, everything after her bath that she gets everyday. Huh? A bath everyday? At 513, I was lucky to get her to take 2 or 3 a week. I guess they don't put up with the 'foolishness' I took and Peggy and Rebecca took at 513?

After some visiting and mom fussing about being there, I went to the beauty shop on the floor and Deborah was there and there was a line of women (and men) in wheelchairs waiting to get their hair done. I ask if she could take mom and I told her mom's hair needed cutting, a permanent, and the rolled up, dried, and teased a little. "I can do that" she said. When? "NOW".

I buggied back to 403A and Ms Rebecca and I got mom to the beauty shop but after much selling on our part as to "where are we going?" from mom. Deborah did all the above and mom was there about 2 hours or almost until dinner. I had signed up downstairs to eat dinner there and it was a whole $2.00. This is for caregivers who wish to eat with her wards.

Mom looked great. After 3 weeks away from the beauty shop, this was much improved over almost no curl in her hair and cutting about 3/4 to an 1" of hair, it looks now like a style we can keep easily. She did not tease it big time like Janet did and that is good as this style will look more 'kept' for a much longer time. Deborah would not let me pay her as she said she bills Meadowood and I pay them. OK.

I had dinner with mom and her room mate Judy. Mom was now in a better mood and I was able to get away without much fuss. Once I convinced her I would be back tomorrow, she said 'you have a key don't you, so please lock the door on your way out." Her mind slips back to 513 and maybe that is good. When this happens she is content with where she is and I can handle her.

Please keep mom in your prayers and write her. I have included all brothers, sister, and my brother and my extended Nutter family who Love Midgie. Please forgive my interfering with your privacy with mom's situation right now. Please let me know if you wish to be taken off this list. All of you have loved "mother, Midgie, sister, aka Grandmother. You are here for me, no, for her and my knowing you are there is a solace to me and gives me the strength to carry on each day.

Love to all,

Jeff

PS. Carolyn (Simpson) Watson came to visit mom yesterday and found us in the beauty shop. She is about 85 but looks my age...wow. She enjoyed seeing mom but when I walked her to her car, she cried. I have now lost 2 clean handkerchiefs given to 2 ladies that needed them more than I did. But a good visit for me and for mom.



Jeff Nutter, Jr.
3281 Tyrol Road
Vestavia Hills, Al
35216-4268
(H)205.979.1898
(C)205.401.5731
(B)800.392.6328
(VM)800.582.6328 x233

My mom Midgie at Meadowood Sunday 10/23/2005

Bobbie, Jimmy, Billy, and Angela for Enoch, and bro Jack Nutter

I have been writiing updates on your sister and mother, Mildred every day or so. Each of you know her situation but I hope you understand why I feel the need to write this for you and for me. I have heard from some and cards letters and cell phone calls are great. Midgie does not have a phone in her room but she can talk on mine or Bobbie or even Peggy's cell phones. This preface is necessary as you may or may not have time to read my ramblings about my mom. My efforts are for you to see her as I see here and mine is to be as honest as possible in telling you these stories about her. Pardon some include me, for as 4 plus years ago, I have been primary caregiver, manager, conservator, etc for mom. So here goes, beginning her second week in Meadowood.

I was hoping Karen would feel like going to SS and Church yesterday as it was Randall (Randy) Kesler's first sermon as our new minister at 1st Presbyterian Church in Bessemer, Alabama. Randy saw mom his first day, last Monday at UAB West, and has visited mom several times at 403A at Meadowood. But Karen's neck injury was giving her some discomfort Saturday and Sunday and I did not want her lifting or doing more than necessary while on the mend.

I made it to SS and Church and guess who I sat next to in the Friendship Class at SS. Randy and his wife who he calls Crickett. Now who is going to ask questions with Clyce and Ruth, our retired minister, and our new one? But I did. It was a good group of about 24 with only two or three empty chairs. Dr. Holt, mom's retired doctor of many years, is still teaching SS as he has done for eons. He is still as sharp as ever on his bible.

So many ask about mom, especially the ladies in the rocking chair class next to ours. Our class had sent mom several cards and I was walking in the hall in SS when these gray haired ladies button holed me about mom. They wanted detail, not just the fluff. I wish I could draw their smiles and tell you all their words of encouragement and concern for mom. I was almost in tears when I left them. They have know mother forever and know the Nutter and Northcutt family and love each of you in a very special way.

Randy's sermon was about Jesus calling the disciples to preach and his commissioning them to carry on his teachings. It was a calling for them to follow HIM as it was a calling that brought Randy from South Carolina to take care of 1st Presbyterian in Bessemer. It was not about Randy, it was about all of us being called to do what Jesus did for and to his disciples, i.e. to be ministers of the Word. He made you skin crawl, or did mine. He is a moving speaker, just what We needed.

I went by mom's house and got her another set of pajamas, some cuddle duds and a few things from the drugstore on the way. Mom was in her room, eating lunch, and Ms Rebecca (one of my caregivers from 513) was there, as was her roommate Judy. I had thought about a private room but the interaction with Judy and some care and information Judy shares with me and with Jack is good for mom. I had brought her Sunday paper and that is always a treat for mom.

The nurse came and told us they were having a 'sing' in the recreation area and if we wanted a seat, we needed to get out there. Mom has to be in a wheel chair for now as her leg strength and balance is not the best, so as they said "and away we go!". We don't get seated good when the Alabaster Church of God singers get off the elevator. They set up in the corner right next to where we are sitting. They are soon passing out song books and we all are singing some hymns I don't think are in the Presbyterian hymnal. But that is OK with this 'singer' who in his lifetime has been Methodist, Baptist, and Presbyterian. Well, not a Baptist but loved the Babtist church and that was where I went on Wednesday night when traveling. But that is another story.

Mom did fine and I watched her face as all of us sang following the song leader. For me, it was listening or following the first stanza, then joining in on the next 2 or 3 once I got the rythm down. It was fun. This is a predominately black church in Alabaster and the leader told me afterwards they had been doing this for the 17 years he had been there. He said they go to several nursing facilities two Sunday's a month as part of their Christian Ministry. They were good, knew the words without the songbooks, and very soulful, the good old hymns I would hear in the Baptist churches I visited in my lifetime. So it did not take Jeff long to catch on.

I had gotten mother's replacement Medicare card in the mail replacing her lost one. I got mom to practice signing her name of the envelope before getting her to sign her new card. She did it! They had ask at Meadowood to bring this to the office to photocopy for her file and I did. I took a short break, a glass of tea for the dining room and soon Jack Nutter was there from Florida. He had been invited to stay with Roy and Pauline at their new home in Seacrest, Florida for the weekend. Jack and I stayed in touch by cellphone and email of mom's day each day he was away.

Mother was still in the recreation area enjoying the company of her two sons and she tried to interact with us, which she does. Her smile is worth it all. Her I love you is worth it all. Her wanting you to come back is worth it all. Her 'how old am I, 88 or 89?" "no mom you are 90" is worth it all. "What time is it? 3:30 mom" is worth it all!

I left mom with Jack and Ms Rebecca's wonderful care and headed home to see about my Karen and she if she is feeling better. She had been to Blockbuster and swapped our two movies we had rented for new ones, one called "the librian" and the other is "warm springs". Have not watched them yet but the jackets looked interesting.

I hope you forgive my ramblings this Monday morning but my life is entertwined with mothers and I really don't know how to filter me out. We are all part of her care, and a very complex puzzle right now. I saw Dr. David Burthall (spelling) last week and he told me the intense physical and mental exercises mom would get to find out how much she can do and possibly recover from this 'event' that caused her to be in UAB and now Meadowood. I am not a doctor or nurse but I know mom as well as anyone and more than most. We, all of us there, are still in the learning phase of this nursing and rehabilitation plan for her, so bear with me as I learn!

Write her a note or card as mail is Great! She loves opening envelopes and our telling her who they are from. She may not be the sister and mother and grandmother you have known, but she still is Midgie to all of us. Her love comes through no matter what and what kind of day she is having. She has always been the giver, never the taker, so this being cared for goes against everything she is. We let her entertain us. We let her do for herself as much as she can. Doing everything for her is somewhat of a mistake as it takes the initiative away for her. Dr. Portante said "let her initiate actions, her actions, as this is what dimentia patients lose."

Love to all her extended family and friends. Again I apologize for rambling but you all know Jeff, brother, dad, and friend and that is the way I talk, don't I. Say goodbye Jeff!

Bye,



Jeff Nutter, Jr.
3281 Tyrol Road
Vestavia Hills, Al
35216-4268
(H)205.979.1898
(C)205.401.5731
(B)800.392.6328
(VM)800.582.6328 x233

Midgie and Her New Hairbrush!

I did not go to see mom Saturday but talked to the center early Saturday morning and she was up and eating her breakfast. I talked to Peggy about 1:00pm and I could hear in the background the television and talking and mom was doing fine, dressed, had her bath, and was ready to get going doing something.

She said they had a church group in the center and they sang and entertained the 4th floor in the recreation area. Peggy said they have BINGO on Saturday night and mother, Judy, her room mate, and Peggy were going to go and play BINGO. This was on Midgie's activity list to get physical and mental activity in gear and to find out what mom can comprehend where maybe card games, bingo, numbers, and understanding and acting on the rules of games. It may sound a little juvenile to you and me but we need to find out at what level of mental function we can get her to in her recovery.

Peggy and I both have T-Mobile cell phones and fortunately this is a no charge call when she calls me or I call her and we are sharing reports about mother. Our phone rang about 4:00 pm, and she had mother on her cell phone. "Hello, this is Mildred! Hi mom, this Jeff, how are you? I am fine, and I have won a new hairbrush! How did you win it mom? Peggy was in the background and prompted mom to say she won it at Bingo. Mother handed the phone to Peggy and she said mom did fine playing Bingo and when the last game ended she lacked only one block on her board of blacking out the board and winning another prize". WoW!

We are keeping Peggy and Ms Rebecca coming to the nursing home to keep a familiar face in front of mom and to assist in her care. Yes, it is expensive but I told Jack Nutter and Bobbie, "I am spending our inheritance!" Each told me that was fine and we want mom happy, safe, and doing the best she can in recovering from this event that got her in the hospital and now Meadowood, the health and rehab facility.

Write mom at Meadowood, 820 Golf Course Road, Bessemer, Al 35022, room 403A. I took her 4 cards Friday afternoon and she had gotten two or three while in UAB West. She so enjoys looking at the scenes and tries to read the cards. We have to explain some of them as many new people at church are writing her and I have to explain who they are. I got a very personal, hand written card from Mountain Top Church here in Vestavia. I am on their email list and I had ask them to put Midgie on their prayer list. What a nice card, personal, written in caligraphy, and both sides. A very timely card I got in Saturday's mail. I am taking it to mom to add to her card pile!

Karen and I plan to go to SS and Church today to hear Randy Kesler's first sermon at 1st Presbyterian in Bessemer, Alabama. Randy has been to see mom and me at the hospital and at Meadowood. He was there at UAB West monday am, his first day officially on the job at 1st Presbyterian. His visit and prayer was most needed and mother really enjoyed his visit. I think we have found a good minister and shepard for 1st Presbyterian. Good Works preceded his first sermon!

I will write something this afternoon about mom as time permits. Sunday am is quiet time at Jeff and Karen's home and it gives me time to tell you about Midgie, my mom, and I will continue as He permits....jeff

Mom at Meadowood 10/21/2005

It is Friday night 10/21/2005, and I did a run to Bessemer this afternoon after completing some tasks here in Birmingham I had put off for a time. I called Peggy Lewis this am and she was going in about 12:30pm and stay through mom's dinner. Peggy has been good as right now I don't know what I would do without her.

I went to the bank, T-Mobile, got a haircut, went to SMD in downtown Birmingham to get a new face piece for my C-pap machine. I then realized I had not eaten anything all day, only drank Orange Gatorade to regain some lost energy. I ate a late lunch with Gus Koutralikis and Kathy at Pete's Famous Hot Dogs. Two hot dog specials, a bag of chips, and a Coke really taste good about 2:30pm. It had been months since I had seen these friends and I had forgotten what a Pete's Famous Hot Dog taste like! Wow, it really hit the spot!

I drove to Bessemer and went by 513 Alice Street and got her mail and bills and news papers to carry to Meadowood. I had some of mom's clean pajamas and her checkbook to pay Peggy and Ms. Rebecca and her bills. She had 4 cards from mostly folks at the Church. If you sent a card to the hospital, it does not look like they forwarded them at all?

Mom was in her room and she and Judy and Peggy were watching TV. Mom and I went for a walk on her walker to show me how some of her strength had returned. I would guess about 300 feet total and really that is the length of a football field, so that is good for almost 91. We visited for a while out in the recreation area and I got her a full thermos of cold water which she seems to enjoy. Peggy said she is eating good and not complaining about the food like she did at 513. Peggy said later that mom generally cleans her plate and that is so, so good! I tried to not stay too long as mom now does not want to cooperate with the staff and with Peggy when I am there. She is eating better period.

I stayed until about 5:30pm when her dinner came and I called Karen that I was on my way home. I had only one thing disturb me, and that is they are losing pieces of her pajamas when I have told them not to do her laundry. They have lost 2 pieces, one each of two pieces of nice pajamas. Peggy and I have both made inquiries about this but so far to now avail. Peggy plans to check the laundry for the missing pieces and I am calling Michael Saturday morning and need him to know of my disappointment with this. This seems petty but I only have 6 pair of pajamas there and now it is down to 4 sets. I can't have 2 pair here being washed and she have one on and only one back up? News on this later.

She seems to be improving and is definitely stronger and more alert than when I found her at home unable to get out her chair or walk at all just about 2 weeks ago. She still has some way to come, and the doctor has warned me about her progress plateauing at some point less than where she was at home. We will just keep on keeping on and pray she continues to get stronger and get close to the Midgie you and I know.

Jeff made it today. I tell everyone else to not look at the big picture but handle one day at a time, but I cannot take my own advice! Keep mom in your prayers and send her a card to Meadowood. She loved the ones I took her today. Bedtime! I'm outta here!/j

Fasten Your Seatbelt

I preface this post with something that happen to me sometime back flying out of Atlanta to Baltimore. This is years back when jets were just coming into play in the commercial airplanes and this one had 4 jet turbo props. I remember it was a Delta flight and the craft was new and sleek and filled with about 80 or 90 souls.

We took off with no problems, the engines whining getting us up and away as planned. I was looking out the window as I was sitting on the wing, and shortly after take off, I see smoke coming out of the far outboard engine. It is still going strong but it does not look good to me. I told my stewardess, now called flight attendant, and she ran toward the cockpit! When you see the flight attendant running, it is time to fasten your seat belt.

It was seconds after I noticed the black smoke that the engine caught fire and suddenly started to run wild. The seat belt announcement came on immediately and at that moment, a white cloud of smoke enveloped the engine as they feathered the engine and the jets of fire retardant encompassed it, starving the fire of fuel and oxygen. The announcement came on and the pilot is now telling everyone what happen and that the plane is designed to run on 3 engines and even 2 engines and could stay aloft.

The announcement assured us the fire was under control but we would have to return to Atlanta after burning off excess fuel. The other 3 engines are now at close to 100% and whining in my ears and I am now wondering how long they can take these high rpms? But we made it after what seemed like forever and since I am writing this, we walked away from the plane. I think pilots call any landing you can walk away from a 'good landing' but that day, I had my doubts!

Why am I telling you this harrowing story in my life this morning. I is maybe I am that aircraft today, only running on 3 of 4 engines and like it, I am having to lighten the load to come to a safe landing. Mother has required an immense amount of my time and effort these last 2 weeks getting her into the hospital and now Meadowood where she is now. I had been fighting migraine headaches and a change of medication(s) from Dr. Swillie, my neuro doc, and this too has been like working in a dreamlike state.

Caring for mom, and in a dreamlike state? Did anyone get the tag number of that truck that hit me? Dr. Portante saw the truck coming last Friday and sent me home from the hospital. Dr. Fortmeyer saw the truck Saturday morning when I saw him, and he said get out of the road, you are about to get run over! I am still not listening and I see my Dr. Swillie Wednesday, day before yesterday, and he said 'the truck hit you but it didn't kill you'!!! Or at least you are not dead yet! I am going on adrenalin and endorphines and I drive to Bessemer and soon Peggy is running me out of mom's room, go home, you are out on your feet.

I have hit the wall, the physical and emotional wall that hits you sometimes when emergencies require so much of you and you find that strength and endurance to do what is necessary. But like anything you run wide open for an extended time, something gives, something breaks, and it is like a dream, where someone is chasing you and you are in slow motion. That is me right now. I have taken one day off and hope to work in a few more to feel like myself again. I write you this as if I talk to you, I have, right now, a problem completing my sentences and my thoughts are all over the place.

I have slept, pretty much off and on all day Thursday. I slept Thursday night and did not roll over during the night. I am doing very little today and letting Peggy and the hospital do their jobs and I really need to turn my phone(s) off. I am here writing you this morning, as like the story that prefaced this, I did walk away from the 'almost' crash. Dr. Portante said it best Sunday afternoon, "You have been a good son, but it is time to let someone else take care of your mom for a while!" She needs more than you can give! I love you all, now let me dress, as it is about time to get out of here.....Jeff

Mother at Meadowood

I have to write you this Tuesday morning 10/18/2005, and give you an update on our "Midgie". You know she had been in the old Bessemer Carraway now called UAB West. UAB hospital in Birmingham purchased this from Carraway as this was a natural extension of the growth of UAB since the downtown location has now become land locked to some degree, surrounded by permanent entities like UAB's college campus, 5 points South Shopping Center and other. Now some of these great services and care are in Bessemer with capabilities of expanding in the Western area. I know they have building expansion plans for the UAB West as we speak.

There is another facility to the right and behind UAB West called Meadowood. The address is Beverly Healthcare/Meadowood, Mildred Nutter room #403A, 820 Golf Course Road, Bessemer, Alabama, 35022. The phone number is 205.425.5241. You can ask to talk to the nursing station on the 4th floor and they can give you an update on mother. They do have a wireless phone they can take to her but mom does not talk on the phone well, so, we are not putting a phone in her room at this moment until we find out exactly where she will be in the next week or so. But you now have her mailing address, so please send her a card.

She got 2 or 3 cards and mail the week she was at UAB West and she dearly loves getting mail, tearing open the envelope and looking at the card over and over. You will be blessed I assure you as her face lights up so much when we tell her who loves her. You can send me a computer card and I can print it in color and take it too her. I will put it in an envelope and she will think the post office sent it.

I guess this morning I start with now. I just got off the phone with Bessie at the nursing station to find out how mother was doing. SHE WAS UP ALL NIGHT, AND WAS PUTTING ON HER MAKEUP LIKE SHE WAS GOING SOMEWHERE. She has a new lipstick Karen sent her and I bought her a new compact with powder and puff and a large hand mirror from her home and she looked ready to go somewhere. I apologized to Bessie but she said mom was no trouble, just awake! I will know more after Peggy goes this morning and gets her first visit with mom. I am going to be frank and tell you what I told Jack Nutter and Bobbie. "I am going to spend our inheritance now taking care of our mom and sister". You know me and I am sure this does not come as a surprise!

Medicare will pay 100% of the first 20 days, and it is an 80/20 split on the next 80 days, giving you a total of 100 days of physical therapy/nursing home care for her. Then, it is all mine or ours to spend. Mom has a SS check and a small check from VA so we can keep her where ever needed for (hopefully) a good long time if that is truly what she needs. I tell all of you this as she is the matriarch of the Northcutt-Nutter clan and you need to know about our 'leader'.

Right now the emphasis is on the physical therapy and also finding out why she has lost so much lower body strength and her balance is terrible. When I turned her in bed last night, when I rolled her toward me, she said she felt like she was falling. The bed she has is like a hospital bed with rails keeping her from hurting herself. I tried to teach her how to call the nurse with the push button on a cord but don't know if she grasp that at this writing.

I have to work today and Peggy will call me late morning and give me an update on mom. Mary Judith drove over from Atlanta and Bobbie met us in the cafeteria yesterday at UAB West and we had lunch together before moving mom next door to Meadowood. I had Ms. Rebecca and these afore mentioned and me moving her in my car and into her room at Meadowood. It was great having family there to help move her and mom having familiar faces around to keep from getting panicky.

Hopefully she will adjust quickly and she has a room mate named Judy and she has been there 3 years. Judy can call the nursing station for mom I guess if needed. They will compliment each other as time goes by. I leave you now with a prayers for mom and everyone who are grieving with this change for her. I cried, and so shall you! Dr. Portante said it best and I share this so you may have comfort in his words. It is not about me, but yet it sounds that way. Please understand what he said with your heart.

"Jeff, you have been a good son. I gave her 3 to 6 months at home 4 plus years ago when she had double pneumonia and the onset of dementia. But you were able to keep her at home these 4 years. She now, right now, needs more care, more structured care than you (and the caregivers and her family) can give her. Just let me now help you with what is next best for her and we, together, will get her the best care that she needs." I did not do this alone. I repeat, I did not do this alone! You were there. HE was there. Your prayers were heard! We made it this far, now a new adventure begins for her and for me and for us. We can only go forward for her and love her like never before! Jeff

Mother and UAB West Medical Center

Today is the 6th day for mother in the hospital, room 608. She is relatively happy, eating well, and in not totally aware that she is in the hospital. I guess this is good where a dimentia patient is concern.

The tests have all come back relatively normal with nothing jumping off the page as to just what happen last Sunday night or Monday morning. She has lost some of her sense of balance but can walk with a walker if she has assistance from the physical therapist. She fusses about wanting her cane from home but the hospital does not want her out of bed or a large chair without someone assisting her.

They goofed with some .5 Xanax giving her a set back of a day or two making her somewhat loopy for 2 days. She has recovered from that but has now developed a bladder infection which Dr. Portante is treating her for. As of today, the urinalysis has not come back from Friday and they were taking another today about noon.

She ate a great breakfast, cleaning her plate leaving only the strips of bacon she said was too tough! The physical therapy people had her out on the floor with a walker and she is doing about 250 to 300 feet by their count each day showing she has some leg strength but terrible balance. She now is afraid of falling over backwards and needs help in any activity outside of being in bed or in a large chair.

We have scheduled her now to transfer to the Meadowood Rehab and Nursing Center adjacent to UAB West Monday sometimes. Dr. Portante said if ask to make a guess how long and he said 20 days. This will give her some much structured care and physical therapy she so needs right now.

Peggy and Rebecca and Jack are helping with keeping familar faces in the room daily. This is so important with a dimentia patiet and our mom right now. She has gotten flowers and a few cards and still loves her newspaper. Peggy is keeping her laundry swapped out with her having 5 sets of nice PJs in rotation. I have been there each day and into the night each day except Wednesday and today, when I left at 3:00pm to rest this sleep deprived body.

Funny, I had a doctors appointment at 9:00am and he said he could look at me and tell I was stressed out. I get to the hospital and see Dr. Portante while he was examing mother and he too said I needed to go home. Peggy too was showing some wear and tear from this unusual week to call it just that.

Thank you for keeping us all in your prayers as we need them so badly right now. The Ultimate Healer can reach down and do miracles and I am confident He will. Love to all my extended and loving family all over the world....
Jeff Nutter, Jr.

Xanax and Mom and Neurology

Don't give my mother Xanax, or not the .5 mg dose that is 2x the strength of the prescription she has at home. Mother is in Medical Center West in Bessemer and has now been since Monday and now this is the 5th day. The neurological event and unsteadiness she has is still with her but there scans and reports so far are coming back "unremarkable", meaning no disease or clot, everything looks normal. Tuesday night she did not sleep, and was fitful all night and they gave her a .5 Xanax early am and she slept all day. They could not wake her for PT or test or even meals? She was given this a second time Wednesday night since she did not sleep the night before.

I was in Demopolis and my brother Jack was there in the pm and I had Peggy Lewis sitting with her Wednesday am and back in the afternoon filling in for me. They saw this first hand, up front and personal and Jack was beside himself about them giving this to her. Dr. Portante had prescibed the .25 mg Xanax to give to her PRN. This means when she is restless and is anxious, I give her one or two a week, sometimes none. So, you see how giving her 2x or twice the prescription size twice in 24 hours has her zonked out for a time. Thursday she was so drowsy even when Dr. Portante was there, it was hard to make a diagnosis since she is this way. He has an MRI scheduled Friday 10/14/2005.

But the brain is a funny duck when it comes to knowing all that is going on? My neurologist told me once, "We know so much about the brain and are learning more and more everyday. But knowing all about the brain, Jeff we are really in the dark ages. There is so, so much we don't know, and can only test for normalcy or test for normalcy. You can have something as small as a pin point in the wrong place and it will not show up on any test we can give you. But you will have neurological problems due to this 'pin point' bruise or scar that just by chance happen to be in the wrong place. You can sometimes have huge damage to the brain and it be in a 'silent' part of the brain, and this huge trauma will never bother you." This was a quote from a very famous neurologist here in Birmingham, Dr. Robert G. Ford.

Let me tell you about my experience with Dr. Ford. Unfortunately he is now retired but he would appreciate my sharing some of my life experience in his 40 years of practicing here. The was a 'fellow' from Mayo Clinic! A 'fellow' is someone who after finishing Med school, has finished his specialty, has finished his residency, then decides, if accepted' to go to school and work an additional 54 months at Mayo Clinic in Neurology. The diploma is about 4 x 6, has one signature and one small gold seal. It is the least impressive diploma on the wall in his office, but speaks volumes of what it means to the recipient, Dr. Robert G. Ford.

Today is Friday 10/14/2005 and we have now got to think about some additional care facility for 20 days. Dr. Portante said her balance and 'mental loss' due to this event (?), the RN, and PT are all of the same mind as she needs a more structured care for a time to see how far back she can come from this possible brain trauma she has had.

I went by Meadowood, a Beverly Heathcare facility to the right side and behind the hospital. It is not home, but it is what mom needs right now. I talked to Michael Vickers, executive director, and he told me what they could do for mom, a really intensive type of PT and activities that will find out how far she can progress. I went through the PT department, met one of the PTs, went through the dining hall, and looked at the kitchen and up stairs and saw a semi private room which is all they have available right now. Again, it is not home, more like a dorm room with a single bed on both sides.

I talked to Bobbie last night and Jack late pm, and I think this is will be where mom will be maybe early next week. Keep her and all the Nutter and Northcutt extended families in your prayers. Keep her caregivers, doctors and nurses in your prayers. Most of all, keep me and Jack in your prayers during this very hard time for us emotionally to do the best we can for our mother. I cried last night finally giving in to my emotions that I have had to wall up for mom and for you, my extended family and friends. Karen said she saw it coming and it was not pretty. But I could not keep it inside anymore! I am OK now as HE is with me and I trust in Him to guide me! Love, Jeff

Raining? It Is Pouring!

Sunday 10/9/2005 started off like any other Sunday morning for the Nutter family? It was the calm before the storm! We had just gotten my great nephew Mitchell out of Children's Hospital at UAB in Birmingham. He is better.

I got to mom's after SS and Church and Jack soon called that he and Vicki were coming this afternoon as was Jamie and Brock and Mitchell so Midgie (our mom) could see her second great grandson. The afternoon was flawless, with pictures and everyone getting to hold this little bundle from heaven who just bubbled and cooed and smiled to all our smiling faces. It was a wonderful visit of gathering of a great part of the Nutter clan. The calm before the storm....

I stopped at the grocery store on the drive home and got dinner for Karen and myself as I was away so long. Karen stayed home as she is nursing a very sore neck with this week filled with doctor appointments to get to feeling better. Mine now is to get some rest and take mom to the doctor early Monday morning.

Monday I get to mothers about 8:00am and she is still dressed sitting in a chair in her bedroom and lights on all over the house. I start her breakfast as is my routine, but soon find something is wrong. Mom is confused and when she tries to stand, she has lost her sense of balance and her legs are weak? What is wrong, I ask? She has some dimensia and I can only ask questions as she cannot really tell you in a comprehensive manner of how she feels...Pause.

I will amend this later as I have to go to the hospital to take care of mom...keep the Northcutt and Nutter family in your prayers....News at 11:00/jbn

Mary Northcutt, my aunt and war bride of my uncle Enoch has passed away. It was not totally unexpected as she was 86, and has been in a nursing home for about a year. The family was in Demopolis to visit Mary and she visited with all of them and late Sunday, God took her home. The doctor said she just lost the will to live, and

Mitchell Brock Nutter, Great-Nephew

October 8, 2005, Saturday 7:00am CDT,

Mitchell Brock Nutter is my brother Jack Nutter's first and only grandson. Brock is Jack's son married to Jamie Mitchell from Brantlyville, Alabama. They had only been married 11 months when Mitchell came into their lives. He is now 7 1/2 weeks old but had started experiencing some problems keeping his formula and milk down. It took two or three weeks for a nurse visiting Brock and Jamie to accurately diagnose Mitchell's problem.

Once this happen, the doctor at Children's Hospital here at the UAB Medical Complex, had Mitchell in a room and scheduled for surgery to remove or release some blockage in his lower intestine. I have a small family website called Nutter-Northcutt on MyFamily. com. Below are some of the early entries and comments as Mitchell came through this. Read on!


Jeff Nutter, Jr. - Oct 7, 2005 View | Edit | Delete | Viewers
Categories: Mitchell Brock Nutter Mitchell is doing fine after surgery!

Mitchell had some surgery yesterday October 6th, 2005, to remove some blockage in his lower intestine. This was done through his navel and a small incision on his side. The operation was done about 2:00pm Thursday and Jack called me about 3:00pm and told me he came through fine.

Karen and I were there early am Thursday and we called Barbara, Jamie's mom, about 6:00pm and Mitchell was to get his first bottle in about 33 hours. They had him on an IV when we were there to replace some potassium and get him OK for this surgery.

When we called all the main characters, mom and dad Jamie and Brock were asleep as were grandparents Jack and Vicki. All had been up pretty much all the night before the operation.

The Nutter-Mitchell family thanks all for your prayers and support. Hopefully Mitchell will go home today Friday or early Saturday.

Read what others had to say:

Teresa Mitchell - Oct 7, 2005 Edit | Delete | Viewers | Reply to this item This was done at Children's Hospital, right? My children have been there several times, for various things, mostly Asthma treatments for Marc. It is a wonderful hospital. Mitchell is in the best of care, he will be fine, I am sure.


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Jeff Nutter, Jr. - Oct 7, 2005 Edit | Delete | Viewers | Reply to this item I talked to Barbara Mitchell, Jamie's mother early this morning, Friday October 7, 2005. She was holding Mitchell and I could hear him 'cooing' as we were speaking. He had his first bottle at 7:00pm, Thursday night and she said he slept and took 3 or 4oz, every 2 to 3 hours all during the night. And...with no bad results or bubbling up as he was experiencing.

Barbara said if everything goes according to plan, Mitchell and family will be going home about mid-day, today Friday October 7th. I called Karen and told her of the good news but had to work today (not usually) and I had little time to calling or writing. Hope this finds everyone well, and yes, Terri, they found Children's Hospital to be just GREAT. Thanks to all for their prayers and concern....Great Uncle Jeff

We CAN DO without Washington

Think about the news over the last few weeks and all the finger pointing going on right now! Who is to blame for this or that just makes me sick. My dad told me to look at my hand when I pointed my finger at someone. I did not understand until he showed me that the other 3 fingers were now pointing back at me.

Our country is now over 225 years old and just how long have we had some sort of welfare to take care of the needy? I do geneological research and the early letters I have read addressed to Washington are from widows of our wars asking for pensions for their husbands and fathers killed in the wars. The libraries have scanned these hand written letters and you can read them and the goverments response. Some did get as much as $50.00 yearly and this was a 60 year old widow with 8 children. Now this family truely needed help.

I think back when our country was being founded and expanded, there was no Washington beauracy going to the aid of all these families risking everything to find a better life. Yes some died and some succeeded. But there was not FOX' fair and balanced reporting nor CNN 360 and Anderson Cooper with a live feed back to everyone of their plight. This was not so many years ago when we did not have television nor radio nor possibilby the US mail. How did these wonderful strong people survive with Washington and without someone coming to their aid? Did they not know the risk they were taking when the started out on their trek be it short or long, it was at their own peril.

When you think about it even today, we each start out in life at our own peril! If we are lucky and have a family to help us get started, it is then we love the independence and the chance, the chance, to be the best we can be. Yes, we even have the chance of failing but that is the part that makes life so exciting. Give me and you the chance to fly or fall! Let me find my wings and if I succeed, I can enjoy a wonderful sense of achievement that surpasses all the joy I could ask for. Don't give me big brother looking over me and helping me and giving me something to dim that joy.

I think of my own life and how my dad died when I was in my third year of college. I did not know dad and mom had borrowed money on their home to help me pay for college and for dad to start a new business. I learned this after my dad passed away and mother had 2 mortgages on our home. Please know that I am not the exception but this happens to many children sometime in their quest for a better life. My mother sat down with me at 21 and showed me the two mortgages and what needed to be done. I finished that year in college and went to work that June for the company I retired from. I paid the second mortgage each month and gave my mom $25.00 a week for my expenses living at home. It does not sound like much today but that was a lot of money in 1960.

My mother was working and probably could have gotten something from Washington when my dad died. She did get a small VA check for my brother for a few months until he was 18 but that was it. Mother made it on her own. I made it on my own. My brother went to college and worked and he too made it own his own. I can only use my family as a comparison to all the people asking for handouts today as these are the only ones I know first hand without any pretense.

Can I tell you something about me. I retired after 41 plus years of working for my company and in those 41 years I never missed a payday. If I had saved all those check stubs, I would have over 2,112. I am not the exception but the rule of the kids of the post war era. We knew hard times and good times and we saw by example of how to work hard and be successful. We never looked for a handout or handup of any kind. Is our society so different from back then?

I know Katrina was bad. I know Rita was bad. But each took their chance to succeed for fail just like I did or you did. I want to help the children. I want to help the older population who had everything taken away. But you who are of able body, I ask you to do as the early Americans did and begin again. It will be hard and difficult but our country is filled with opportunity. Immigrates are still streaming into this country more than all the other countries in the world oombined looking for a chance, just a chance, to succeed in life and yes, to possibly fail. Be that American of old with a vision and a hope to make for yourself a better life. If you turn around and look, there is another man or woman standing behind you to take that chance should you turned it down. ....Jeff Nutter, Jr, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America

91 and Met Me at the Door!

Wednesday is my dad at my mothers and beauty shop and errands. It is a full day but I never know what kind of day it will be until I get there and see what 'gear' my mom is in.

I call her one speed jokingly, as she is slow but a plotter and does get to her destination but only at her one speed. This can be frustrating to the impatient person but you have to set your clock or timing to coincide with hers or you will certainly be frustrated.

I got to mothers about 9:30am and did not see the paper on her front porch. This is a good sign or possibly a bad sign. Did she get a paper? Is she up and has gotten her paper? Today was the 2nd! I stepped on the front porch and the storm door swung open and there was my mom in her robe and Zeigler apron looking out to greet me. I told her to unlock the back door and I would get her mail. Looks like it's going to be a good day.

She and I had breakfast together with her eating heartily, I think her favorite meal. I finished before she did and then looked for a clean pressed suit for her to wear to the beauty shop. I found one I liked but wait, 3 buttons are missing and the pants hanging with the top doesn't match. I found the matching pants and set the outfit on the bed to see how it looked. OK, except for the buttons.

I looked in 2 of mom's jewelry boxes and no buttons. But in the center drawer of her dresser was a small cup and inside nestled 3 buttons, the exact buttons for the blue outfit I had layed out. I was running ahead of time so I got her sewing kit and found some neddle and blue thread and soon had the 3 buttons on one of her favorite outfits. I even had to use a safety pin or two to temporarily hold up a hem that had come loose. But now it is wearable and she is ready to dress,,whew, just in time.

Mom was dressed soon and we all piled in the Ford Taurus and away to Bucksville to the beauty shop. Janet had a cancellation this am and took mom right away with no waiting...Great!

We used the I/S20/59 to go back to 513 coming back to Bessemer off the Visionland exit. We were just blocks from her sister Barbara's home and I ask mom if she wanted to see her sister. We pulled into Bobbie's driveway and her car was in the garage. I called her on my cell phone and she insisted mom and I come in.

Mom had a nice visit with Bobbie and we had a good time. A good break in mom's routine and a chance to catch up on news with Bobbie. A fun time. I called Peggy and told her where we were and would be a few minutes late getting back to 513. Peggy is one of mom's pm caregivers and just loves mom and really takes good care of her. Rebecca the same, two wonderful ladies God sent me to help her stay at 513.

I got her groceries and Peggy helped me put them up. It was now 3:00pm and told mom I would see her Friday as I had outside work at home that had to be done. I called Peggy thursday midday and mom was doing fine. I got some raking and sweeping done outside and got my homestead looking again like someone lives here.

Friday I had a breakfast to go too and again Peggy filled in for me. I had a doctor's appointment at 2:45pm and called Peggy at 3:30pm when I got out. Mother was fine, and Peggy was going to a ballgame at 4:00pm and would go back and fix mom's dinner and Rx and help her dress for bed. She said I was not needed today and really if I got there Sunday, she would take care of mom Saturday.

I have rambled about my life, my mom's and her caregivers and I hope I have not bored you, the reader, to tears. But mom is the matriarch of the Northcutt clan and I think some of you just might want to know how Midgie is doing....I am glad you read to here...Thanks/Jeff, aka son, grandpajeff, and other that will go unsaid...