A MAGICAL MOMENT
My mom now has had Alzheimer's for over nine years. Her younger brother suffered with this disease before passing away 6 years ago. My grandfather lived to the ripe age of eighty-two and my grandmother died of colon cancer at the age of fifty-six.
Maybe if my grandparents lived longer, especially my grandmother, then they too would have shown signs of dementia. My brother and I wonder what caused this to plague our immediate family. Were there other ancestors who had Alzheimer's ?
We have no answer, yet pray that it skips our generation, and those of our children. By then hopefully there will be a cure or at least some prevention.
Recently, I asked my brother if he could phone me, so I could speak to my mom during his visit. It was late in the afternoon and instead of calling me he sent me a picture of her curled up sleeping in her bed. To be honest seeing her in a hospital bed left me feeling troubled. I also felt sorry that she was unable to enjoy his bi-weekly visit.
A half an hour later my brother phoned and said that mom had woken up, as he placed the phone to her ear. I excitedly asked her is she had some nice dreams. Not only did she answer me sounding perky she responded "yes, I dreamt of how beautiful you are and how much I love you."
This made my day and perhaps my "entire" year. At that second I knew that this was a magical moment. I could hear the presence and clarity in her voice. We continued to converse in ways that have all but vanished for the last few years.
I chose to be brave and presented mom with my favorite question for her. One that I use to ask several times a year. It had intrigued me that although she had no memory she was able to always answer it the same way.
As my brother listened to our conversation, I said, "Mom if you could wish for anything for your children what would it be ?" Mom then said, with a joy from deep within "for my children to be healthy".
I heard my brother utter "what a great answer." At that instant I knew that this was a magical moment. One filled with sunshine as we continue to share not only our love, but our long goodbye.
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Lisa, thank you for sharing your *magical moments* with us all!
ReplyDeleteYour Mom is unbelievable *special*, she even makes us all smile within deep of our hearts.
Martina, my mom is as special and sweet as you. xoxo Lisa
DeleteTears of joy for you, Lisa. I am so glad your brother was there when your dear mom woke up so that you could speak with her. What a special moment. It surely must have felt like a long distance hug <3 Those are the things that keep us going when times are tough. ~Barb
ReplyDeleteBarb ,you so deeply understand these special moments to savour forever.
DeleteHi Lisa,
ReplyDeleteMy mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's more than five years ago and I have just moved to her because she clearly needs help and I want to spend as much time with her as possible.
It is worrying not knowing how much time we have left but your story can give more strength to me and others in the same situation. Thank you for sharing your special moment.
Tamas Tatai
from Hungary
Hi Tamas, I was touched by your message. Every day is a gift whether we have Alzheimers or not. Yet having a parent who is disappearing from this disease is different. Just try to appreciate whatever time you may share with your mother. You are lucky that you are able to live near her. I could not move and it would have been cruel to bring my mother to a climate that she left 27 years ago. If my brother did not live near mom then I would have. Maybe I only get to see her every 12 weeks yet the time we spend together is precious to me. I do phone every single day for the last 9 years. Wishing you and your mom much love. Lisa
DeleteThank you Lisa
ReplyDelete"As my brother listened to our conversation, I said, "Mom if you could wish for anything for your children what would it be ?" Mom then said, with a joy from deep within "for my children to be healthy"."
ReplyDeleteWow! That really is a simple, yet amazing and heartfelt answer. Thanks for sharing :-)
Dan and thank you for reading. Yes it's amazing when the words of wisdom amd love come from someone who at moments does not know her name.
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