Care

My mom needs care. We, my sister and I and her grandchildren, try to give her all our love and more. But most of us aren’t nurses and we all have regular jobs as well. Now we gladly give up some of our busy schedules to take care of mom. But we’re also very grateful and happy that she gets professional help as of this week.

Home

The idea of keeping elderly people at home for as long as possible, instead of moving them into nursing homes, is a new thing. It’s brilliant. Mom has all her favorite things, photographs, quilts, furniture around her and feels like a queen surrounded by helpful hands.

Lady

The lady, taking care of mom, is a sweet person. She really cares. She is with mom 12 hours a day. Washing, feeding, dressing her. She’s doing her nails, helps her go to the bathroom, she even lights her cigarette. My mom is a smoker and has been for most of her life. Now she’s 86 and we’ve given up trying to convince her to quit. She’s made it this far in life, let her be.

Grateful

As Thanksgiving is only two days away I realize I’m so very grateful for this opportunity to have someone take care of her in her own home. My mom grew up in homes and it was her worst nightmare to have to end her life in one. Now she doesn’t have to. She gets spoiled and enjoys all the attention. Now her family can come visit her and spend quality time with her while the nurse takes care of her immediate needs.

Rough

It’s been tough. Emotionally and physically. But now we can let go. Now we can enjoy being with her in her last weeks and really enjoying our time together. We find some rest and peace now to go lay beside her and talk. She usually falls asleep often. But holding her hand and feel her squeeze mine while she tries to tell me how much she loves me is absolutely priceless. I will cherish these moments for the rest of my life.

Giving thanks

So for this year, I give thanks to my beautiful, wonderful, loving mom. For all the years she nurtured me, long after I grew up. She always took care of me. She was the one I could turn to when I felt glad or sad. We laughed and cried together. I hope she will be around for a while longer. But it’s quite safe to say she won’t be around for Thanksgiving 2023. So here’s to you mom! I’m happy and grateful to have you in my life.