Last week when I phoned mom and her caregiver handed her the phone, my mother asked if I remembered her. "Of course mom, I remember you." I was not sure where this conversation would be going yet Ruthie sounded lively, so I let her take the lead. I had no idea what else she might be saying and it was nice to hear her sounding upbeat .
Her next question was wanting to know my husband's name. This was amazing that she was even remembering that I had a husband, for several weeks before she was not aware of this. Maybe just a lucky guess on her part . I acknowledged that his name was Bert. She sweetly commented that his name sounded familiar."That's good mom because we have been married for thirty three years." With surprise in her voice she said " really,that's a long time."
Mom then wanted to know how I knew her. I explained that she was my mother and I was her daughter. She then wondered if I was also her friend. "You sure are, in fact you are my best friend," I declared. As I described my sentiments I could feel how excited she was.
This was an unusual day, for recently Ruthie seems to end our phone calls, almost before they begin. Yet I still get hear her loving hello's and receive my kisses before we hang up . I know deep in my heart how important it is to treasure these scrumptious kisses and never take them for granted.
I have noticed that mom is having trouble connecting her words and thoughts. Her giggles and laughter have been fading and her spelling has not been filled with as much perfection as in the past. Yet somehow she still is hanging on. It's been over nine years since she became ill with Alzheimer's, and although her younger brother passed away within a few years of the disease, Ruthie is doing "good." Whatever "good" may mean.
Today was a day that left me laughing as we got ready to say our goodbye's. I asked mom for my daily kisses and she replied" I cannot kiss you.""Why I asked?" She responded with "because you are only suppose to kiss boys." "Okay mom, "I have a great idea, why don't we just pretend that I am a boy." I couldn't believe what was coming out of my lips, and how giddy it might have sounded, yet it worked. Mom said, "okay" and threw me my kisses.
As I hung up the phone I had a gleaming smile across my face. Somehow I am able to delight in the different things she may say, whether they make sense or not. I love and cherish the innocent little girl, that in many ways she has become.
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Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteA lovely post!
Margie thank you so much for your lovely comment. It means alot to me.
ReplyDeleteLisa