Lois: What's it like in California?

[LoisRichter]

Last December my Mom (Eunice Richter,  born Eunice Willifred Jerred) died in her sleep at age 98.  She was so ready to go!  She had taken to saying, "I probably won't wake up tomorrow," and one day she was right.
For the last three months, we always said "I love you" as we parted so that we'd be sure that was the last thing we said to each other.  After six year of taking care of things for Mom -- driving, shopping, finances, moving 5 times, worrying, dealing with caregivers & management staff & ERs & doctors, reading, and anything involving seeing or mechanical devices -- this year will be much different.

I have now actually retired and will be focussing back on my art and other personal-choice activities.

My husband (who was a great support through all this) is greatly relieved that I'm no longer under so much stress.  He plans to also relax more and just enjoy having a happy, cheerful, creative wife again.

(This photo is of Mom turning 93, just before she lost her vision.)

[Maggi Young]

Great portrait of your Mom, Lois. Even though she had a long life and was ready to go, it is still a loss to you and I know you will be missing her. It take s quite some time to come out of "carer" mode and regain a more ordinary perspective on day to day living.  Luckily with your art and garden you and your fine husband will have a better chance than most to make that transition.

I send you both my condolences on your loss and my congratulations on the new life you are about to embrace.   

[David Nicholson]

A really grand old lady.

[LoisRichter]

Even though she had a long life and was ready to go, it is still a loss to you and I know you will be missing her. It take s quite some time to come out of "carer" mode and regain a more ordinary perspective on day to day living.  Luckily with your art and garden you and your fine husband will have a better chance than most to make that transition.

Sounds like you speak from experience.

I send you both my condolences on your loss and my congratulations on the new life you are about to embrace.   

Thanks for your caring.  I wish I could meet you in person some day.  Any desire to come visit me in California?

A really grand old lady.

That she was. 

Eunice worked handling top secret reports for a general in the Pentagon during WWII.  She was one of the first WACs.  In fact, she was one before they existed!  WHAT?!?  Well, there was a "Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC)" created in May 1942 that she joined.  In late 1943, it was replaced by the "Women's Army Corps (WAC)".  Mom says she almost didn't get in there because the military WAC required a physical and her blood pressure was so LOW that they were afraid she wouldn't get accepted.  She told a story of how she ate salt and pepper and ran up and down steps to increase her BP before the medical exam. 

Mom had lots of stories and whenever she was being talkative I recorded what I could on my phone.  But that was seldom.  If I  asked her about any particular thing (like what her aunts were like, or who lived with them on the farm when she was a child, or how she and Dad met), she'd usually wouldn't say much more than "I don't remember".

On the other hand, Dad (Elmer Richter) was always a great talker.  He readily agreed to being videotaped while answering my questions about his life.  Mom refused to do that then; but last summer she did agree to be interviewed about her WWII experiences by a local teacher who has her students making films of various "Heroes".   (I have seen the raw footage of that interview and am trying to get a copy to keep.)

Thanks to all for your messages.

[LoisRichter]

Here's a couple more photos of my folks and family.

Eunice Jerred and Elmer Richter on their wedding day.


Our family (Elmer, Eunice, Jim, Lois, and the dog Goldie) in 1961.


My folks in their apartment after moving to Roseburg, Oregon. When they weren't out playing cards with the neighbors, Dad read in his chair in one corner while Mom corresponded with "Elders" list members and played computer games in the other corner.  (Note the video gear near Dad; this is the day we taped some of his stories.)


Dad at age 92.

[Maggi Young]

Eunice was more of a great gal than we even imagined! 
Wonderful that she and your Dad had a good long life together.  I guessed they liked  cards - the decorations on the lovely cake were a big clue!

Yes, Lois, I speak from experience - thing is, I've become so used to being "here" that I've now confined myself voluntarily to "barracks" so to speak by surrounding myself with three small dogs  so my ability to leave is severely curtailed.   Today I "could" be at the SRGC early bulb display, with a coach-load of chums - but I'm here with the dogs. I've got our Web Master Fred's collie here too for a month - so finding someone  I trust to take of four dogs for a day is just a step to far.
So you are not likely to find  me pitch up on your doorstep any time soon!
Rather frustrating at times to be restricted by the livestock - but I chose to re-home them so I've only myself to "blame" - and in truth, the pleasure of their company every day more than makes up for the occasional sacrifice.
And now,  having just brushed the collie and made her shiny and beautiful , I'm off to give the third Westie a bath - the other two were bathed yesterday - you'd need sunglasses on to sit beside them they are so white and beautiful!

[LoisRichter]

UPDATE from Lois.
I'm getting back into doing online correspondence, and I plan to be active in this forum in 2023.

What's happened garden-wise since 2015?
I've slowed down some on my own gardening, but still enjoy hearing about other folks' adventures.
I continue to produce the "Davis Garden Show" with Don Shor. =  https://kdrt.org/programs/davis-garden-show
I started a new video program called "Birding With Lois" in 2022. = https://BirdingWithLois.global

About me ...
I'm fine. I had a heart attack in February 2023 and they put one stent put in. 
I've been home for 6 weeks (after only 4 days in hospital!), I have changed my eating habits (reducing salt, sugar, and bread), I have more medicines, and I gave up 3 of my 5 major projects (to cut down on stress).  I have a slight bit less energy than I used to; and I'm napping more.
In a couple weeks, I'll start a "cardiac rehab" exercise program and expect that will help.

Hope you-all are doing well.

[ashley]

Welcome back Lois, and all the very best for your recovery