I think it’s impossible for mom to put on anything yellow without saying “Yellow Yellow – Catch a fella”
Perhaps this is a new way for me to see mom having fun because it took a long time for the slight smile to appear on her face.
Friday the 13th arrival I have an uncomfortable feeling like I bit off more than I can chew yet I haven’t even taken my first bite. Yikes! It’s been just a little over 24 hours and today I’ve witnessed mom go through what seem to be “places or stages in her daily life”. My somewhat unannounced early arrival last night was a sweet reunion. Mom looked beautiful and she pulled off “together” very well. I told myself everything was Okay. Maybe I was too tired to read anything more and it’s really what I wanted to see – and believe. She was so happy to see me even though she had told me not to come early.
Today I gradually got acquainted with what seems to be her new daily routine.
Closet Case – The final touches before church.
The most noticeable thing I see is a distant expression especially in her eyes and I wonder – “Where is she going?” Is she seeing some distant place? It’s is a question or observation that caught my attention during previous visits but it is much more active now. It doesn’t necessarily feel like a bad place – it’s just a place that doesn’t seem to be here. Maybe tomorrow will show a little more stability or focus for me to to grasp.
A picture is worth a thousand words. Mom wanted to get dressed and go to church this morning. She exercised immense mental determination to get dressed and go down the hall to where church takes place. Yes, she did it but now I look at the photo of her and see by the expression on her face I realize how exhausting it was – her physical effort drained any of the enthusiastic energy she had mustered up. Later in the day there was an afternoon Christmas entertainment event in the auditorium. I know mom loves Christmas carols but I could see she needed a little encouragement. Again she was determined to attend and later she talked about how much she enjoyed it.
Eyes of the World
Saturday Night Dinner It was fun to join mom for dinner and especially to see Hazel again. The dining room experience is really the strongest social situation she is involved in and I can see how much she enjoys being there. I loved seeing her eat so much of everything because I know she usually just enjoys the soup & rolls. Usually she kind of “picks” at the main meal until the dessert arrives. Everyone is on her case to Eat More!
But my favorite photo of the day is of her finally resting in bed after a very long day with a peaceful expression of calm and beauty.