Mom and Me

Ain't Nothing Easy...

It's the middle of March and Mom is still with us.  Caring for her has become, nearly, a full time job.  I am not complaining...it's just tough to watch her fade.

But, we carry on with sometimes entertaining ways.  Just yesterday evening, after a pretty rough day with pain and trying to get comfortable, we had just gotten her up and in her chair when she looked at us and said, 

"I know what today is!"

You do?

Yes!  It's Purim!"

I have no idea where that came from and it's part of this process that is so difficult to understand.  Some days she is as clear as possible and others...

Yes, Mom it is Purim.

"I know.  Wish I could drink some wine."

Me too...

And, so it goes.

Got Wine...For Christmas

Several days ago Mom asked me, "Michael, when is Christmas?"

Uhm...in about five days.  Why do you ask?

"I'm ready for all the damn Ho-Ho-Ho music to go away!"

I understand.

"No really, why do they have to play this stuff non-stop for months? It take the specialness of the holiday away."

I get it.

But, don't think Mom is a scrooge.  She was up for a party on Christmas Eve.  Michael and Jody and Tina came over to the house.  Michael cooked and Mom had some wine!

Not kidding!  Dressed in her holiday gear she had a great time clowning around with us.

Family, friends, good wine, great food...yep...we'll take this holiday.

Merry Christmas to you and yours

And...so it goes.

Oh The Holidays...

This year Chanukah and Thanksgiving fell on the same day.  It happens only once every 70,000 years or so.  We were doubly blessed to have Mom and our grand-daughter Jovie for dinner on Thursday night.  Actually, Mom is always here as she lives with us.

The conversation between a four-year old and a ninety-three year old is often similar.

"When are we going to eat?  You know I need to eat every couple of hours." (Mom)

"I'm getting pretty hungry!" (Jovie)

"What's that!??" (Mom)

"I don't think I like that." (Jovie)

"I'm getting tired of sitting here." (Mom)

"What are we going to do next?" (Jovie)

"What?  You're having ANOTHER glass of wine?" (Mom)

"Wine?  Can I have some?" (Jovie)

Happy Holidays!

And...so it goes.

 

Let's Just See....

It's the first day of April (my birth month by the way) and I walk into Mom's apartment.  She is doing dishes and greats me with a "Well, hello! It just feels like spring huh?"

Yes, Mom it does.

"Say, can I get you to do something for me?"

Sure, what's up?

"Well, I swear I saw water dripping from under my bathroom sink."

Really?

"Oh yes. And, I've got so many things there.  Can you check for me?"

I walk into the bathroom and open the door.  Nothing seems wet.  But, perhaps deeper into the cabinet. I take about 20 or so items out.  They are all...dry.  I walk back to the kitchen.

Nope, nothing is wet.

"Are you sure?"

Yep.  I took everything out of the cabinet and nothing is wet or even damp.

She is starting to giggle.  "April Fools!"

Ya got me good Mom...

And...so it goes.