7-25 Bear Update with Linda MrWorfMen's Mom

I have wanted to give an update on Bear for some time but have felt very emotional and even unsure as to how to start. To lay a little background, for three years Bear's life with me has been very chaotic. As a cat he of course is highly sensitive to anxiety and stress which runs high in my household. Singing to Bear while I tested his BG made all the difference in the world to him.

Three years ago we moved my mother in with us and I became her full time caregiver. She has multiple degenerative health issues that I only became aware of through multiple specialists and tests done over time. On FDMB I had become aquainted with Linda/MrWorfMen's Mom. Like many others she helped Bear and myself immensely on the Prozinc Forum. Through sharing in emails and later phone calls Linda became personally aware of my situation With her background in Nursing she had empathy and understanding of what my future situation could come to be with my mother. Linda graciously offered to become Bear's surrogate mother if it ever came to the point were I felt I couldn't adequately take care of my mother and Bear at the same time.

That time came. February 13th my husband, myself and Bear left Oklahoma to rendezvous with Linda in Michigan on the 15th. It was one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made. Bear was a light and joy for me each and every day. With a lot of thought and considerations I knew it was the right thing to do for Bear because the time had come when he was getting the short end of the stick, I was having some health problems and there were instances that I couldn't supply both my mother's needs and his at the same time.

The first week Bear was with Linda was very difficult. Bear was somewhat traumatized from the road trip, testings done in a moving vehicle, some feedings, loud Semi's roaring by, PM insulin shots done in parking lots and overnight stays in hotels. We stopped multiple times to love and pet him through the journey but in all Bear's world was turned upside down during that trip.

During Bear's first week Linda was the best with patience and kindness. She got him through his trauma and won his heart. Bear is doing better than he ever has. At current time he is at .25 units of Lantus. I couldn't be happier with Linda's care and Bear's progress. My admiration for Linda has only grown. No matter what Bear is a bit of a handful with his dives and bounces.

I talked with Linda yesterday and Bear's SS isn't current because she has some computer issues which should be fixed soon. Linda is sheltering at home and doing well with three beautiful cats.

A big piece of my heart is in Canada now, with both Bear and Linda.

 

Oh wow... I'm so sorry you have been going through all this, but so happy to hear that you are managing and that Bear has settled into his new life with Linda. Not surprised at all that Linda stepped up when needed-- thank you for the update on a much-missed member of this community.

All the best to you and your mother-- health challenges are so, well, challenging to deal with. I'm glad that you have the comfort of knowing that Bear is doing well. It's not the same as having him physically with you, but he will always be with you in spirit, that is not the kind of love that diminishes with distance.

 

What a story.... but with a happy ending for Bear and a relief for you that he's in such good hands ! Very nice to have news from Linda!
Being a full time caregiver is overwhelming... don't forget to take time for yourself!
Thanks for the update !

 

Thanks for the update Lora - I had wondered how you were doing. I've also been peaking in on Bear's SS from time to time so knew he was in good hands.

 

What a journey. Linda was one of the drivers who helped get Olive to me. Truely a cats angel.

Take care of yourself, Bear is in great hands.

 

Yes, I have been taking some time for me. This pandemic has put more limitations on what can be done but I have found small escapes in my backyard have helped.

 

I thought you might be looking in on Bear. During Bear's first week with Linda as soon as my eyes were open each day I opened Bear's SS to look at Linda's update in the remarks. My eyes were like a water faucet with a terrible leak. I never considered the possibility that Bear would be so traumatized. I felt like the worst mother in the world to cause Bear's suffering and felt so awful that Linda was dealing with basically a Mr Hyde. Linda had one moment during that time when she thought she might have to return Bear to me for his sake because she hadn't been able to test his BG. That was a heartbreaking week. Then the clouds parted and the sun peeked through as Bear started to trust Linda and became his sweet natured self.

 

Thank you.

 

Thank you. I fully agree. Linda is amazing.