I have written snippets about my mother’s journey through dementia and am proud to share “I Was Really Scared Last Night” which was recently published in Please See Me. An online literary journal, Please See Me’s mission is “to elevate the voices and stories of vulnerable populations, and those who care for them.”
When I visited my mom a couple of weeks ago, she greeted me with an “Oh my God,” as I bent to kiss her cheek.
And this week, after demonstrating an upswing, she graduated from hospice care. Her heartrate has normalized, she is more awake, her appetite and ability to feed herself have improved, and she has more frequent episodes of coherent speech.
Her eyes still hold their sparkle, and every day with her is a gift.
I think of your Mom all the time. Of our “0ld gang”, we are the only two left. Who would have ever thought it. The two old ladies with the most kids, and the two left. Thank God, we have all the wonderful memories, the good times along with the sadder ones.I miss you all so much. Smiles to you each day, best friend. Keep in touch! My love.
Shirley
Oh Shirley, I wish you could have seen Mom’s smile yesterday when I regaled her with stories about rollicking times on Kensington Avenue with the Old gang! You grownups trying to keep us passel of kids in line…I treasure those memories and so many more. Take good care, and my love to all.
Thanks for sharing! So wonderful you have had the opportunity to be such an important part of her journey.
Wonderful indeed, Kate. I’ll hold the memories of our months together forever in my heart.
Beautifully written with inspirational unconditional 💕 love
Thank you, Bev. I learned about unconditional love from two of the best, so it’s been a privilege to be a caregiver for my sweet momma.
Oh Kare……who knew that the frightened student nurse of days gone by, who stunned her Psych instructor with frank truths, would grow into such an insightful and loving caregiver!! What a blessing you are!!
Ah Ame…that day at the Veteran’s Cemetery rushed memories of that long-ago Psych test! So grateful to have had you alongside as we traversed the halls of Saint James Hospital and beyond. You are a blessing too, my friend.
Thanks for sharing this Karen. It brought back many similar memories as well as tears. We are blessed to be with our Mom’s, but it sure was/is hard and painful to watch. Sending you hugs.
Thanks, Mary. I have memories of visiting with your mom in your home and in hers. She was blessed to have you nearby!
Karen, your Mom is a treasure. Thank you for sharing. I was so lucky to care for my Mom in her final days. Treasure your time with her. Hugs my friend.❤️
Oh Patti, I remember being in awe of you as I witnessed your tender relationship with your mom when we were in grade school. How wonderful that you were able to care for her in her final days.
Hi Karen, When I visited your mom a couple weeks ago she greeted me with a bright smile and a look of recognition, and enjoyed the piece of peanut butter chocolate candy I brought for her. 🙂 She is, and always has been, such a joy. She’s amazing!
Mom has always loved your visits, Carol. She raved about you and your treats often when she watered her African Violet: “This is from Carol…she’s so good to me!”
Now I have her African Violet on my kitchen table-—a daily reminder of the special bond you two have shared.💕
Your Mom is such a wonderful person. She is lucky to have you and it is obvious the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Sending you both hugs!
Thanks, Mona. Your mom was a delight too, and I remember the tender care you gave her and your dad before they earned their angel wings. Mom will be in good company when she joins them.