January 4, 2016

It has been a very long time since I posted to this blog but thought it might be best to let everyone now the latest news with Jim and JoAnn.

We made the decision back in October of 2015 that Tulsa was not working out as a viable option for them to live together at Methodist Manor so we started exploring other options. This included a quick trip for my dad to come out to Walla Walla, Washington to see what all of the fuss was about. I tried to keep my opinions to myself (almost impossible as I am my mother's daughter) but after a week, my dad was sold on the small town living.

We picked a 2 bedroom apartment at Wheatland Village, the retirement community near my house, for independent living for the both of them. It is a much better investment than Methodist Manor and the people are very friendly and welcoming.

I flew down to Tulsa in mid November and picked up Mom and brought her back. We hung out for 2 weeks while Dad finished tying up loose ends and driving the car out here. He arrived on Thanksgiving day which was definitely something to be thankful for, and we all headed to a friend's house for a jovial Thanksgiving dinner in the snow. We spent most of December trying to unpack their life and get everything hung on the walls to my mom's liking. It was definitely an adjustment for them both and I can't stress how homesick my mom was for her friends and her old life. Even though talking on the phone is not as enjoyable for her anymore, she desperately wanted to catch up with old friends. Christmas day arrived and felt really good despite not having any family but me present. We talked to all the family on the phone and had a beautiful little Charlie Brown tree (my dad's preference) loaded with gifts to unwrap. Dad and I made some chili and whiskey sours and we all ate tamales. We had a lot to be thankful for and I think finally felt somewhat settled.

Susie and Megan planned a trip and showed up on New Years day.

Unfortunately, after building her strength over the last few months, Mom took a spill while getting ready for her day and hit the ground, fracturing both her pelvis and her collar bone. So on New Years Day, she was admitted back into the hospital and remains there now. The fractures do not require surgery but obviously do require much time to heal and physical therapy. We don't really have any other news regarding that but will try and keep you all as updated as we can. The opinion is that she will likely move to a skilled nursing facility sometime this week to start rehabilitation. She has asked me to call several of you but with work ramping up and little sleep, I have not found the time to do that.

Please keep her in your prayers and if you would like to send a card or a letter, find their new address below. They are currently in the process of getting a home phone hooked up so, for now, their cell phone is the best way to talk to them.

Jim & JoAnn Clapp
1500 Catherine St. #302D
Walla Walla, WA
99362

Please pass this blog on to anyone who would be interested and I may have missed.

Thank you and Happy New Year.
Jennifer & Family