Monday 9 May

Noni and Linda had an early start to do doctors appts so we're on their way by 7. Gramps got himself up around 8.30, showered and did everything himself and got fully dressed, wanted to be sitting at breakfast table ready for action by the time Noni came back. She was very happy to see him and said "wow, when we get over there a lot of those ladies are going to want to sit at our table. I'll tell you what if you get a little girlfriend I am going to go find someone myself."

Linda and Noni were only home for a short time before taking off again for nonis hair appt. so Gramps and I had a lot of sitting time, some quiet, some talking. He is quite openly talking now about how he really did believe he was coming home to die, that he had just given up. But once he was home it all changed, Jane's opinion and advice had a powerful effect on him and just being home with us around and not alone in the hospital made a difference. Once he started to feel better and improve he says he just changed his attitude. And he is just greatfull that he has had time to talk through so many things, to say the words and to set up more things. He is greatfull that he and mom get to leave the house together. 

They both have strong views on the house itself so for my part I am trying to encourage them to not get into strife right now over what is to be done because there is time to listen to experts, look at products and make decisions. Noting is going to happen in the next few weeks. Sometimes there is a degree of clashing in the conversations NAndG have with Linda, where she has an idea and they do not agree with it and she will keep,pushing thinking they do not agree because they do not understand what she is saying. These conversations can go round and round for a long time. They are tiring for all parties and also hard to listen to. Of course there is a simpler way to do things but it is just the way they have evolved to make joint decisions and get things done. It  certainly adds some tension and chaos so I have been on the listening end a few times of complaining from all sides, have to just listen and sympathise. 

Yesterday at 3pm John from Atria arrived with the contract which he went through carefully with NandG. Again he was very respectful with them and very open about how the place works. SO Gramps has handed over the first check for their rooms. He was ready to write the check as soon as John walked in. And Noni was very welcoming and charming with him. Of course he was very impressed with the house and especially loved the dining room furniture. So they to.d him the story of how they bought it for $250 dollars from the lady that had owned the house because their own new dining room set once in the room looked like doll house furniture, Noni had burst into tears. 

After John left they settled in on the den lounge with Tele and knitting. So Linda and I hustled down to Antigua for what was going to be a coffee but turned into a couple of beers. We were joined by Mike and I wished Dad was there already right then. 

This is a big relief for Martinellis, this last few years has been so tough on them. And yes Linda is so greatfull that I came keeps saying there is no way she would have been able to do it all alone.