Pecan Grove (www.pecan-grove.net) Pecan Grove and Senior Residence

In relation to our previous mid June post, Gilbert is doing about the same in the nursing home.  He is content, thankful, and always says he is receiving better care than he deserves.  Marybelle has declined significantly in the personal care home.  Clarence Roachell was taken from the hospital by his family back to his garage apartment in Livingston where some of us had gone to meeting for years.  He passed away June 25th.  His 5 children were able to be with him there, which was sweet. Although on oxygen and weak, his mind was clear. Here is a photo of his family gathered around his bed.

Unfortunately, we had to take Lois Culver into the hospital again today.  She became dizzy and unable to walk.  This has happened before and she managed to improve and return to PG.  Hopefully that will be the case this time.

Going back to the beginning of the month, we have had a myriad of different visitors and activities. Della was visited by her children and  nephews.  It was a family reunion, Pecan Grove Style! Here are some pictures of her with her two nephews and their wives: Charles and Angela Strong, and Ron and Karen Strong. Next is a picture of her with her three daughters: Henrietta, Della Mae, and Chris. Finally a picture of the whole family, minus Chris.

Recently, Brian and Rich have been holding small Wednesday afternoon gospel meetings at PG. Mostly attended by those of us out here at PG and a few of the local friends. It was Rich’s idea that one of the workers would speak in Spanish for Anita’s sake. He had been asking one of our Spanish speaking residents (Marilynn and Ronald) to have this part in the meetings. They had thought to end the meetings because it was time for Rich to go to Hotchkiss convention. But, we received word that a visiting brother worker from California, Jon Wright, would be in the area. He came in one day later with his friend Loren Smit from Texarkana. That allowed us to have half Spanish meeting on that Thursday instead. Here are a few photos of Jon, Loren, and a few residents.  We had another half Spanish gospel meeting today (June 30).  Emma Perez helped the brothers.

Elton had the pleasure of being taken out by a few of his dear friends: Ed Lloyd, Jim Eubank, and Al Perkins.

Several of our Spanish friends came with Emma Perez for a visit. The Saldana Family: Eloisa, Emiliano, and Emmanuel. As well as another couple of friends Luisa Contreras and Ana Lidia Munoz.

We were also joined for a few days by two sisters from Kentucky, Anna and Alda Blackemore. They knew Esther well from her time spent in their field. Alda informed us that it was her 69th birthday! And that she had chosen to spend it with us. How nice it is to be thought of as a birthday hotspot!

Before Marybelle left us she had some kind of malfunction with her left hand. We are not quite sure if it was a partial stroke but her hand became curled up and very weak, to the point of non use. Here she is getting an in house x-ray done to find out the issue. Unfortunately, due to her constant drowsiness and failing legs we feel as though taking her to meeting on Sundays may no longer be an option.

Thankfully there are many here who love her, so she gets visits and fellowship regularly.

Gilbert had been quite clear when someone visits. He has short term memory trouble, but he recognized Elton and asked him if he was going to play the piano! (which he did)

Lastly, today was Clarence’s funeral in La Porte, TX.  We had a memorial for him at Pecan Grove yesterday. His son-in-law, Mike Krengle, had the idea of asking some to share their memories of Clarence. Several took part and it was a touching memorial. Here are a few pictures from yesterday.

Here’s a link to notes from the memorial service:  Memorial Service at Pecan Grove for Clarence Roachell

Thanks for your interest in PG!

Kenny

A lot has happened already in June with 3 residents not being at PG now.

Gilbert’s dementia has gotten a lot worse and was making it difficult for the staff.  He had some infection issues, so was taken to the hospital.  Once the infections were dealt with, he was moved to the Park Manor nursing home in Conroe.  Unfortunately he was put into a isolation wing because of covid.  Once they understood he was vaccinated, the said they would take him out of isolation, but they don’t have a room!  So… hopefully this week he will be moved to the “clear” section of the nursing home.  In the mean time only Wayne Overby and myself can visit him.  Here’s a picture of him a few days ago in the isolation room.

Today he was telling me how wonderful his care was, and how fortunate he was at his age (97) to be taken care of so well!  His mind seemed a little clearer… he wanted to be remembered to some at PG.  Other times we’ve visited he had no idea where he was.

Marybelle has been getting worse gradually for a long time.  It finally came to the point where she couldn’t transfer from the bed to the wheelchair as well, and was ending up on the floor sometimes.  Her needs were beyond what we could continue to meet.  Hospice searched for a nursing home, and found a personal care home in Conroe called the Tuscany House.  We looked at it and realized it wasn’t the quality of Pecan Grove, but it sure was better than a nursing home!  So we took Marybelle there.  This morning we brought her to the Opel’s meeting in Conroe where we now go.  Here are pictures of her leaving PG, with the residents and staff that were present gathered around her.  Then a picture of her, dad and Salena at the Opel’s this morning after meeting.

I took her back to the Tuscany house and took this picture of her with the man that runs the house, and of her room, which is nearly as large as the room she had at PG.

Sadly, she’s not a happy camper.  But this morning it was clear that our decision was correct… she is far beyond what we can care for.

If anyone wants to send mail to Marybelle or Gilbert, please send it to Pecan Grove, and we’ll get it to them.

Lastly, Clarence went to the hospital Friday because of blood in his urine.  He was moved yesterday to a different, rehab hospital.  They haven’t found the cause of the problem yet, but Clarence is doing well.  Here’s a picture of him today:

He still has his humor, and his mind is fairly clear (his short term memory has been bad for a long time).  He understands why he is in the hospital and isn’t complaining.  Hopefully they resolve the problem and he’ll be able to return to PG.

We’ve had several visitors already… lots to report, but will leave that till the real blog update at the end of June.

Ken

Lois continued to improve in May, graduating from the wheelchair to a walker (most of the time).  Marybelle has been even more feeble, with some very bad days and then recovering somewhat for a week or so between bad days.  Clarence continues to sleep a LOT, but when he is awake he gets around ok and has a wonderful, thankful spirit.  Marilynn received good, clear results from her tests, so no more tests for 6 months.  Fern’s shingles have improved significantly, but are still sore.

May was a time for visitors and birthdays. Clarence has been a popular man this month! Here he is getting a visit from his grand-son and their family: Josh, Angela, Miranda and Logan. Ronald also had a visit from some of our Spanish friends, the Avila family: Felix, Corina, and Samantha. (pictured center). Elton was also pleasantly surprised with a visit from an old friend whom he used to meet with. Ernest and Etty Bruer came all the way from Connecticut to spend some time with him.

Many of our family came by as well including Mike and Ronda; who came to check on Jack and visit for a little while. Here they are posing with Della, Della’s daughter Chris, husband Mike and their dog.  Mike seems pretty pleased with himself after getting stuck while going fishing in the last photo.

With all of the family visiting we were glad to see Jack make it out to gospel meeting. And, as an added bonus, Brent flew in for a weekend visit. He even picked Jack up in a convertible! Check out these two cruisin’ dudes!

It wasn’t just family who visited, however. Fern was treated to a sweet surprise when some of her dear friends from NY & NC came to visit. Lyndon, Nadene and Jennifer (Lyndon’s sister), Laird spent a few days with us and were a great help lifting our spirits. We also had a stop over visit from a New Mexico native, Carolin Dunn on her way home to from winter in Florida (pictured right with Elton). She knew Della and Esther both quite well.

The third week in May we experienced some crazy weather. It poured rain off and on for several days with some high winds. Overall we were lucky, with only minor flooding and a few fallen trees… no significant damage.

All of that rain was great for napping! Here are Clarence and Marybelle competing for Pecan Grove Sleep Champion.

We enjoyed a few days with Salena’s mother, aunt and uncle: Diane, Doris, and Les Craighton. They drove in for the weekend and caught up on some much needed family time.

Just like with every month, someone was probably born. More so for the month of May. Kathy, Dominique, and Clarence all experienced birthdays this month.

Kathy hit the big “7-0” and we celebrated with a new take on her favorite dessert: Crème Brûlée Cake!

We also celebrated for Dominique’s 64th birthday. Salena tried to capture the fun of enjoying a classic French cheese plate with a “cheese” cake. It is really all the little details that brings it together.

And last, but certainly not least, Clarence Roachell celebrated his 94th birthday! His family came and took him for a lunch of catfish, after which he showed them a little tour of his room. Here he is pictured with his daughter Becky and her husband Mike along with their son Kevin and his wife Alley. As well as their three children Conner, Garret, and Addison.  His cake was about his passion… fishing!

Kenny started working at PG.  Kenny and Ken both worked on this blog.

Thanks,

Kenny & Ken

April was a busy month.  Today, the last day of the month, was special because Lois Culver returned to PG from The Wellington where she’s been recovering from a stroke.  Here she is at the supper table just now.  Fern and Marybelle weren’t present.  Also a picture of her at the Wellington with dad, Kathy and myself.

Sadly, Elton’s daughter, Cheryl Hutchison, passed away from the cancer she’s been fighting for 12 years.  David Cleveland came to be with Elton, and took him to the service in WA.  Here’s a link to Cheryl’s obituary which has pictures of her:  Cheryl’s Obituary. Here are pictures of David and Elton, and then one of Elton on his 103 & 1/2 birthday.

We had wonderful special meetings in April.  The Sunday Houston special meetings were held south of Houston in Pearland.  Most of the residents were able to go.  Also, there was a special meeting at PG on a Wednesday afternoon.  The first picture below shows 5 of the 8 workers who were here.  Visitors in April include Mike, Becky, Lottie and Adelia Hepner, who have relocated from Arkansas to Magnolia TX.  They are shown here with Kathy and the Milles.  Also Sharon and Gary Nordic shown visiting Marybelle.

Pedro, Sary, Meghan and Peter Rodriguez came from San Antonio for a weekend, show here with Ronald.  Denis and Deanne Swenson visited from Colorado, shown with Alice, Marilynn and Marybelle.  Della’s relatives, Charles and Angela Strong visited, shown with Della and Esther.

Marilynn Stafford and Kathleen Bly visited from LA.  They visited mister Gilbert, played music with Elton and visited Lois at the Wellington,

Laverne Branson visited Marybelle.  Wayne (Clarence’s son) and Mary visited Clarence.  Kathy and I were in San Antonio and visited Conchita and Samuel Valdez who worked here at PG for several years.

Alice and I share a common birthday (1st pic).  Two of Alice’s nieces, Marion and Roger Fryer (WI) and Carol and Mike Martin (OK) came for her birthday (2nd pic).  Marion Fryer also had a birthday, 10 years minus 1 day younger than Alice, so we had another cake, one day later! (3rd pic)

Shawn had his 47th birthday (shown with Anita), and Kenny (Salena’s husband and our son) had his 29th.

On a Sunday afternoon the paper is quite important!  Lois was here for the meeting and lunch.  Our dog Bella returned from a month of obedience training, and got to visit one of her good friends, Marilynn.

Thanks,

Ken

Marybelle’s pain in her leg and hip has gotten worse.  We were finally able to get hospice for her while she still stays at PG.  Hospice should help with pain management.  We’re trying to keep her from having to go to a nursing home as long as possible.  Lois continues to improve at The Wellington, and we still have hope she will improve enough be able to return to PG.  Lois has been out for meeting 3 Sundays and dad 2 Sundays in March.  Dominique and Salena are designated “essential care givers” for Lois which means they can go to her room.  Anyone else can visit her on the porch.

Marilynn finished her bladder treatments and hopes there is no more tumors to deal with.  Della got hearing aids and is doing well with them.  The other 7 residents are about their usual.

Visitors this month included Della’s daughter Chris and my sister Ronda, shown here with Della.  Also the Walker family from TN visited Esther.  Lyle came by for a visit, shown here with Gilbert.

Nohemi and Anahli Lopez visited, shown here with Alice, Marilynn and Ronald.  Pat and Linda Bly visited, shown here with Marybelle.  Del and Kari Campbell and children visited Kari’s parents, Wayne and Dawn Overby who live here on the farm.  This picture is of Kari and daughter Kate with Della, Dawn and Marilynn.

Eric Jackman and two grandsons Michaias and Erik (who live in Arkansas) visited Fern. Howard and Maryann Colson knew the Jackman’s in Guam.  At the same time Roger Paul, his son William (also from Arkansas), his daughter and son-in-law the Joe and Julie Trapp (who live near Houston), visited.  We failed to get a picture of them.

Birthdays this month included Esther 87 and Salena 28.

Marybelle likes to collect food for the chickens.  Abigail takes her over to feed them about once a week.  Shawn took a picture of these wild hogs down by the cabin.

Thanks,

Ken