AC Repair

Mom called Friday night saying that their air conditioner had quit and they needed to get it fixed. I was a little out if it since I had just returned from a week at youth camp and had only been asleep long enough to hit the deep part of the cycle, but I do know that she escalated into frustration quickly and hung up on me!

I called her back on Saturday morning, and she told me they had the name of someone to call to come look at it. Duane said not to, as the service call would likely be near the replacement cost. We went to Home Depot and picked up a similar unit before heading out to their house, in the event that their unit couldn't be repaired.

Duane looked at the unit and quickly determined that it was cooling, but also noticed that there was some ice. He disconnected it and spent an hour or so cleaning it. When he remounted it, the unit worked fine. (Mom was really disappointed that we wouldn't install the new one, but it didn't make sense to do so!)

I took the opportunity afterwards to share with them a "Pros and Cons" chart I had developed about moving into town, hoping to encourage them to reconsider, since Mom had so vehemently told Suzanne a few weeks ago that they were NOT moving! She took me completely by surprise when she announced that they were definitely moving into town and told me that she had put their names back onto several lists, but that they were mostly interested in Pleasant Heights. I suggested that she and I might go out looking at apartments in a few weeks and go have lunch -- she liked that idea!

Denies any money issues (Suzanne)

The final thing Mom and I talked about was the budget. I told her that Lisa has mentioned that Mom consistently asks for extra money. She got angry and denied it. I also mentioned that Lisa says Mom has indicated several times that she wants to take over managing the money again. She denied that also.

Waiting for Money from God

We talked over the 4th of July weekend about the budget and why she hasn't moved into the senior subsidized housing in Blue Springs. With Lisa managing their money, she has saved enough for them to move into one of the apartments. Their names were on the list for several places, but Mom took their names off without telling anyone. She says they're too small and depressing, and has no intention of moving there. When I told her that I don't see any options because she can't afford anything else she became angry and accused me of not having any compassion.

She says she wants to buy a house, and has been out house shopping. To me this indicates that she is out of touch with reality, because there is no way they can get a house loan. Between their lack of credit, their trouble with the IRS, no income (except SS) and no jobs, no one would loan them the money for a house. But she says she knows God will send them money. She says she got the checks and debit card for the bank account because she's waiting for the money God has told her will come.

I know she doesn't want to give up her sewing and her books (their's not room in the apt for them), but it seems to me that they're putting Dad in danger by staying in the trailer. They don't seem to agree or be willing to listen.

Safety Issues in the Trailer

I talked to Mom on Sunday 7/6/08 about moving into town. I am concerned about their ability to be safe in the trailer, and how much maintenance the property requires. If there is a tornado, Dad would have a hard time getting down into the basement because he'd have to go outside and down the wooden stairs near the garage. There are many days he cannot navigate those stairs. Also, they are far from the hospital and from help. Mom said she's not concerned, they would be fine in case of a tornado. I disagreed strongly, but she doesn't seem to think it is an issue.