Hello to you! If you are feeling like I have been pretty quiet these last couple of weeks on the blog, you are right. I’ve been insanely busy and have had to shift my attention, only temporarily, until I got some things in order. I had mentioned a couple of months ago that we were buying a home for our mom in my neighborhood. We want her closer so we can help take care of her as she continues to progress and the FTD gets worse.
If you are new to TSP, FTD is a rare form of dementia that affects the frontal lobe portion of the brain. Anything having to do with decision making, behavior, simple things like taking a shower or fixing your hair become tasks one with this disease can no longer do for themselves. Sadly, our mom barely speaks at all anymore, but Lauren discovered that she can still read so if we need a dose of her, we crack open a book and listen as she reads to us aloud. That little activity is our way of evolving with her as she does but also still trying to encourage her to use her words in other ways. But I digress.
I have now officially closed on the house and it is all hers. These last three or four weeks I have been busy meeting with contractors and subcontractors working to gather information and begin the renovation of what will soon be her cozy little dream house. We had a slight delay where I had to hire an architect for something I felt was unnecessary however rules are rules and I’m not looking to piss anyone off. We are calling her new house “The Christmas Miracle”. A miracle for a couple of different reasons.
It is my mission to get our mom in her new home by the time Santa loads his sleigh. It is a stretch, but that is our target date and I am not letting up. No siree Bob. This home is also a bit of a morale booster for my family. We always knew we had to downsize, simplifying her living situation and moving her closer to us was imminent and the best thing for her. It has officially become a reality! It is finally happening! It also seems to be apparent that our mom understands and is actually at peace with all of this. Seeing her get excited or have emotional responses are things we will rarely/never see again, however, her behavior at the present moment is so very calm and peaceful. That is all we can hope for. This move? It is a good thing. A really good thing.
Ultimately, if this house gives her peace knowing she is near her family, and let me be honest, near me (because I basically run the frigging show), then in the name of everything that is holy, let’s gut this bitch and give her what she wants and needs. For me, her house is a labor of love and I know when she steps foot into it, after it is all done, the energy and love she will feel will only contribute to the sense of peace and calm she already feels on the regular. It is very important this home feels like her home. A hygge home. I often find myself saying, “Would she like this?” Or, “Is this something she would have done herself?” So, in the spirit of keeping true to our mom and the very essence of who she is, there is lots of effort being put into every detail of this house. She took pride in her home and kept TJ Maxx Homegoods in business back in the day (not even joking). They actually saw a decline in sales after her diagnosis. Too soon? But seriously, my mom loved earth tones, which pissed Nicole off. She was drawn towards natural textures and fibers. She had a bit of an eclectic style and an affinity for mirrors, baskets, and pillows. She was hygge and she didn’t even know it. With the help of Nicole and my secret weapon Adrianna, whom you are going to hear all about as this project gets underway, we are going to make this little space every bit as cozy and warm as she would have, had she done it herself.
So glad to hear this for your mom. She is one of my favorite people. She always made me laugh. She raised magnificent children. I’m sue she is going to love her new place and be at peace there. I love you Massarellas more than you know. Your Mom is proud of you i am sure. ❤️️❤️️❤️️❤️️
Thank you Michele. She always gives me a good smack on the butt or a tap on the leg, that is how I know she is proud. We just love her so damn much. She was an incredible mom.
This is so cool, she will love the new house
I think she is going to more than love it.But on the other hand, she may end up wishing she weren’t so close because once she is in and settled we aren’t going to leave her alone. LOL.
Proud of you…as is your mom. xo
Thank you Lee. I always appreciate your words and motherly thoughts and advice. We all love you.
What a beautiful amazing supportive family xxx
Thank you Romina. We learned from the best.
What a wonderful thing to do for your Mom. i have always felt projects are good for the soul and this project will be good for everyone. I know she will love it. June and I always had the “decorating bug” and it’s so great that you are doing this with her taste in mind. You all are the best!
I totally agree with the “good for the soul” ideal. It keeps me busy and on a positive path. The completion of it all is always certainly something to look forward to. Thank you so much for reading!
Mama June is going to love it! Great job!!
You are awesome. What a great gift for your Mom.
Not really. I just love the shit out of her and she deserves the best because she is awesome. Thanks for reading lady!
This concept is beautiful. As is she; as are you for making this a reality for her. I know June loved decorating and always made houses into homes. I can’t wait to follow you on this adventure with her. So proud of all your efforts as I’m sure she is, too. Please know if you ever need any help, I’m at the ready. Love you all to pieces!!
Thank you for always being there and for always being a good friend to my mom. We cant wait it to be done and when it is you best be there! Love you too.
Would love to donate the stone
Still trying to regain my composure here. Can’t respond to this just yet. I LOVE YOU!
So proud of you and so happy for June! This will be her happy place!
You were there with me from the beginning and all I needed to hear from the master home renovator was this was the right move for me to make. Thank you for all of your help and your spreadsheets and your knowledge, but mostly, for being a great friggin friend. I called, you were there. Every.Single.Time. I Love you.
What a great job you are doing on this project, Michelle!!! You have already put so much heart and soul into it, it is going to be just what your Mom needs!!! A life done well is reflected through our children!! You all are such a wonderful reflection of the wonderful person your Mom is!!!
Thank you Kathy! I love her and she deserves this. It is my honor. And it is true what you said. We are who we are because of our mom. She rules. Thank you for reading.
The home that you are building for your mother will give her such comfort, but you girls are so much more than that to her. Way down in her heart she feels the abundance of love that you give to her!
You are amazing! I can’t wait to follow you on this journey. Thanks for sharing. Sending love and prayers. Xo
Michelle, if there’s anything I can do to help you meet that Santa deadline, let me know. Keep shining! Xomary lou
This is beautiful. I love all the kitchen and living room inspirations. This brought a bit of tears to my eyes & I am glad that I was able to know and spend a bit of time with your mom a couple of years ago. I’ll pray and continue to pray and hope that the house will be done by the time Santa loads his sleigh. Very excited and looking forward for an update on this project for your mom. If theres any help needed, i’d be glad to help out. – Clarissa, caregiver.
This popped up and I clicked hoping your mom was settled in her new place. Hope the transition is going smoothly and you are all having a wonderful holiday. xoxoxo