It’s Sunday evening now and we have enjoyed our last weekend before I leave on Tuesday. It was filled with success, completion and unexpected Raising the Bar advances.
Mom had the fish tacos for the first time but later remarked about how salty the food was. I think she is beginning to appreciate the food served at “The Villas”
I knew that Saturday was going to present something of a test because mom had already made it clear that she wanted to go by the house and see how things looked. She said it was not for herself but for the neighbors. I knew I couldn’t avoid it or stop this desire because it had to happen at some point. Fortunately a couple of days earlier she had decided that she didn’t need to go inside. I was relieved by her decision but I actually think she would have handled it better and with more strenght than I did a couple of weeks ago.
Everything seemed to fall into perfect place. We decided to go for lunch first and then check out the neighborhood. Suddenly we were going out just like the old days. This was the first time she had been “outside” in nearly three weeks. I couldn’t help but think of her nearly forced first arrival at Garden Villas – me wheeling her into the place and her new life. At that time the idea of us ever going out to lunch or going anywhere seemed to me like an activity of the past. Thankfully I was wrong. So, we went to our local favorite, Cheddars, for the usual people watching and too much bulk & salt. Every time I looked at mom she looked like she was just about to epode with joy. But I reminded myself that lately I had been seeing this “joy” more that I had expected or imagined in her new place.
Just about ready for church but mom still needs her jacket. I know it’s at least 90º out side and she is cold – aways cold.
Then came the time for the “drive-by” Once again her inner strength amazed me. The tour was brief and without sorrow. I guess she knew she needed to do it and then she simply let go of attachment or new arrangement. None of the neighbors were outside and soon we were back “home”. It seemed like everything passed the test. She was tired but has not mentioned the house since.
Another big event of the weekend was for mom to finally let me hang photos on the walls. Once launched this activity turned into a two day process and ended earlier tonight with us going through boxes of old photos that we haven’t looked at in years. We now have our family hanging all over the walls. That was my last “staging” request. It is starting to feel homey and accommodating.
Ana and mom
But wait – there’s more! To my delight on Saturday night mom told me she thought she would like to go to church with me on Sunday. This filled me with the realization that she is ready to get back out into the world. She’s made the adjustment and I think she feels a certain relief. I picked her up on Sunday morning and off we went. She maneuvered most of it without her walker and I have to admit that I go on an ego trip when I see so many people looking a her with such awe. I love to show her off!
Sunday Afternoon There was entertainment in the auditorium and and mom was tapping her fingers and toes along with the guitar player. There were also a few times when I noticed her eyes were closed and I just waited for the music to wake her up. Before the “show” Ana stopped in to check in on her and we all decided that it was time for mom to start wearing earrings. She resisted because she always says she can’t get them on. I know she can’t – but Ana or Lucy will be happy to get the job done.