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Our Multigenerational Home Update - February 2022

By
Industry Observer with Nature As Neighbors

The process of aging is a rocky one in the latter years. There are ups and downs and plenty of surprises. We've decided it's the ability to roll with the punches that makes things easier.  Recently, we had a chance to put it to the test at our multigenerational home in Camas, Washington. 

As you know, 95-year-old mom is the focus of most days and her health and well-being are our top priority. Last week, she woke up with some symptoms indicating a mild stroke. She knew us, but couldn't say our names. Naturally, we made an emergency appointment to see her doctor. 

The CAT Scan didn't show any signs of a stroke, but we are still waiting for an MRI and an eye appointment to help determine the cause of some ongoing visual disturbances. Fortunately, she's no longer struggling with names and seems as sharp as ever. 

She's quite a worrier too, but as she will quickly tell you, "When you don't know what's going on with your body, it's only natural to worry." Fair enough. In the meantime, as we await tests, and test results, the attitude around here is positive and upbeat.

We're creating pleasant diversions with frequent conversations, relaxing music, and of course, making sure she doesn't miss any of her beloved sporting events on television.  Anything and everything to interrupt the downward "what if" spiral. 

Mom also enjoys her Facebook time as it allows her to keep up with the activities of family and friends. Facebook may be many things, but for this reason alone, we are very grateful she has the platform for more social connections. Connections are important for all of us. 

Our weather has been unexpected this week too, we've had snow, clear skies with temps in the 20's, now, rain is on the way. The spring bulbs are poking through the ground, and everywhere we look are signs of Springs' renewal. The seasons come, the seasons go. Such is the rhythmic cycle of this beautiful life. We are reminded to relish each moment. 

 

Posted by


Debb Janes  Bernie Stea
Brokers/REALTORS®
Call or Text 360-608-4900

We help buyers and sellers in Camas, Washougal, Brush Prairie/Hockinson, Salmon Creek, Felida, and other Vancouver, Washington Areas. 


We bring our passion for nature and beautiful environments to Real Estate. Multigenerational and family estates, country land and homes, and small farmsteads are our speciality.


We agree with our clients, "The true luxury of rural living is having elbowroom for the soul.

 

Comments(19)

Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Hi Debb and Bernie - I'm sending well wishes to your Mom and I hope they figure what's going on and can help her with it.  Love the photo of her on FB!  That is a good reason for that platform - along with 'her' sports shows. 

Feb 26, 2022 10:09 AM
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Good morning Debb and Bernie,

Hats of to you, Bernie and your family for taking great care of your mom.  Happy that she has Facebook friends and stays in touch.  And happily, sports of one kind or other are in progress all year  long.  Give our love and good wishes to Lois!  A

Feb 26, 2022 10:20 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

Anna Banana Kruchten CRS, Phoenix Broker I hope we can get some answers soon as peace of mind is important to all of us. In the meantime, we're doing pretty well around here. Bernie is taking off to show houses this afternoon and I'll be watching over mom and playing with the goofy fur boys. 

Feb 26, 2022 10:39 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

Thanks Ron and Alexandra Seigel I replied before, but it disappeared, so if you get two comments eventually, you'll know why. Gremlins are busy this morning. Ha. 

We feel very fortunate that mom is still quite independent. Plus, I know this time we share will be the fodder for many happy memories. 

Feb 26, 2022 10:42 AM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

That Eleanore Roosevelt quote is a testament to why she was the national treasure she was.

Feb 26, 2022 11:08 AM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Debb & Bernie,
I'm so glad I got to meet your mother when I visited. She's a kindred spirit with her love of sports. We would get along swimmingly.  I know what a worry it is to care for a loved one.  Kudos to the job you're all doing. You are such a blessing to her.

Feb 26, 2022 11:42 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

Yes, Myrl Jeffcoat true. Go Eleanor! 

Feb 26, 2022 12:02 PM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

Carol Williams I'm so happy you met  her too. She loves it when we have company and new faces are even more exciting. Hope you'll make your way back. D

Feb 26, 2022 12:05 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Debb and Bernie- thank you for the update. Life brings changes and some challenges but adapting and adjusting help ease the bumps. I'm glad that your mother is back to remembering your names. You're smart to have distractions such as Facebook and time with you and the family. I've read that stress at any age can cause us to temporarily forget words and names. 

I know that F&F provide you with all kinds of distractions!!!  

Give my best to my football watching friend. 

 

Feb 26, 2022 03:30 PM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

I so missed your Multi Generational Posts.. I think of the two of you when it comes to Multi Generational Homes.... you coined the phrase when it was not trendy and I remember it.... now everyone else is getting into the niche... like mine Vacant Land in California:)Endre

Feb 26, 2022 11:18 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Debb and Bernie - thank you for this glimpse inside what is happening in your home.  Keeping positive thoughts for your sports-loving mom as well as the other inhabitants of your treasured Camas Washington wooded base of operations.  Furry footed and otherwise.  

Feb 27, 2022 05:22 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Good morning, Debb... sending good thoughts your way for good news regarding your Mom's health. I truly believe that her attitude and your care will keep her going for quite a while still. I lost my 99 year old aunt last week (four months before her 100th birthday) and I know that her attitude and her daughter's care are what kept her going for so long.

Feb 27, 2022 06:08 AM
Debb Janes

Thank you Nina. Your aunt lived a long life. How wonderful. Would love to have mom make it to 100. 

Feb 27, 2022 08:33 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

I am in agreement with your Mom, if I didn't know what was going on with my body, I would certainly worry.  You are all in my prayers.

Feb 27, 2022 06:25 AM
Debb Janes

True story, Brian. I get it. 

Feb 27, 2022 08:35 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Debb, your mom has enjoyed a long and wonderful life, and cherish each and every day.   Hope she has no ongoing issues.

Feb 27, 2022 07:11 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

Hi Kathy Streib - you are mom's sports watching buddy. She often asks about you. 

Feb 27, 2022 08:33 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

Endre Barath, Jr. - Aw, thank you so much for the kind words. And yes, when I think of Land in Cali, I think of you. :) 

Feb 27, 2022 08:34 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

Thanks Joan Cox me too. I want her around for more years. 

Feb 27, 2022 08:35 AM
Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL
Joe Manausa Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Tallahassee Real Estate

Hey Debb, thank you for sharing your multigenerational story. Thinking of your mom and wishing her great health!

Feb 27, 2022 05:55 PM
Debb Janes

Thanks Joe!

Mar 02, 2022 09:55 AM
Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®
RE/MAX Platinum - Waukesha, WI
Giving Back With Each Home Sold!

Great information.  Thanks for sharing and enjoy your day!

Mar 03, 2022 06:45 AM