THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS
In seven weeks I will be arriving in Florida to spend a month visiting mom at the nursing home. It has been a while since I have seen her and, with much excitement, my countdown has begun. I can hardly wait to hug, kiss and hold her hand in mine.
My quick three day trips had become less meaningful. For mom, as well as myself and husband, being able to spend a significant amount of time with her really made a difference. Each day mom became more alive as she reminisced about her parents and her own childhood.
When I recently questioned the head of nursing she said that mom has not changed much since I last saw her. In some ways Alzheimer's has not stolen more of her "soul".
Over the weekend I was able to speak to mom and actually see her on my cell phone. It was such a thrill for me yet unfortunately for mom (having macular degeneration) she could not see me. We were able to share how much we loved and missed one another, and without me even asking, she threw me her kisses.
Catching each other's kisses at the end of each phone call is something we use to do every single day for years. After mom entered the facility one of the things I missed greatly was getting her kisses each and every day. The kisses I so cherished.
Knowing that she has no concept of time or reality, I still shouted with joy that I would be seeing her in a few days. Mom quickly repeated this to my sister-in-law with much enthusiasm and delight in her voice as she then decided to stand up and walk away; as if I was not even on the phone.
I know that this was just a few seconds of clarity for her. Yet I am amazed that she can still have these moments even after eleven years of this illness.
As she disappeared from the camera in her Merry Walker and the phones were disconnected my heart was bursting with all the love I feel for her. In many ways I am so proud that she is my mother.
MY MOM MY HERO book is dedicated to my mother and yours.
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