a visit with mom

there is nothing like a visit with my mom.  it has been a while.  for those who need catching up, my mom moved from her place in a retirement community two years ago, to be closer to my sister; she found a one bedroom apartment in assisted living, that seemed just perfect for her.

but one of the things that happens when you move out of your own home where you had round-the-clock help, is that you get one-on-one attention.  mom would go on walks several times a day, and venture into chair exercises, and have discussions and inter-active play time.

when she moved into assistant living, mom was more on her own; she had to be more intentional in caring for herself, and taking care of her needs; people came to get her for meal-time, and made sure she took her medication.  staff would be very good about making sure that mom was invited to activities, and knew about all the opportunities available to her.  but mom's routine would primarily be going from the dining room back up to her apartment; not much socialization.  they tried, but they were also not doing one-on-one care.

So, the time came this november, when it was time to move mom once again.  now she resides with my sister and brother-in-law; sister kay is still working, and brother-in-law michael is retired.  my two nephews are on their own...well, patrick is in sparks, nv, and thomas, while still living at home, is also doing military time, so kay, michael and mom enjoy watching thomas' dog autumn -- a friendly husky, with two different colored eyes.

it was time to visit mom, and check out her new digs.  t was also the perfect time to bring 'christmas'...all the things mom likes in her holiday basket...fruitcake from our united methodist women -- homemade, and just her size (because no one else except maybe autumn will touch it!), some yummy jams and jelly's, and a box of sees -- also a fundraiser for our college wesley group; and, of course, a meditation cd from our prayer ministry team which i have been saving for just the perfect moment.  she was delighted!  'wonderful' is my mom's word.

while kay and michael went out to secure the christmas tree, mom and i played several hands of dominos.  for someone who struggles to remember things and sometimes cannot share what she is thinking, my mom has this great ability to keep track of a running game of dominos.  amazing, really!  she'll stay focused for hours.

then we went for a little walk up the street to see a christmas display of cookie jars....i was half-tempted to see if they were filled with treats for good little boys and girls, but, alas, my mom wouldn't let me!  darn!!

all in all a good visit.  who knows if i will be able to return for the christmas holiday.  but i'm convinced that 'ya take what you can get'.  is it important that my mother remember that i was there?  she may or may not remember.  but i was glad i went.  she seemed pleased and happy and delighted to go for a walk, eat a little something, and play some dominos.  what better christmas gift is there for me than that?!

my christmas wish for each of you this year?  have the opportunity to spend some time visiting someone this season; it may be a gift to them...and it will surely be a gift to you!