A Happy Visit

My September update is a few days late, but here I am to report on a wonderful time with Mom. She and I had one of the best visits we’ve had in a long time Friday evening (10/2).

When I first arrived, I almost didn’t recognize her, but she knew me. The reason I had to do a double-take was because she looked so different. The beautician had not been there to wash and set her hair. I can’t remember when I have seen Mom without her hair fixed. But there she sat—with her hair brushed flat and straight. Her smile of recognition when she saw me calmed me down immensely. I was so happy to see her and happy that she was pleased with me being there that I forgot about the hair.

No, in the past Mom would not have been seen in that condition, but now is now. Things that matter now are: being recognized, seeing her roll her eyes at what one of the women says, and having her ask, “How’d you find me here?” And always that sweet smile when she responds to one of us with, “I love you, too.”

As we walked to her bedroom to have some relief from the volume of the ever-present television set, she seemed genuinely glad to see me. She appeared to have more strength in her legs than the week before. Perhaps she’s better because of something the doctor prescribed for her edema. (For a couple of weeks her feet and hands were very swollen.) We spent some time going through a photo album Pop had brought to her. Many of the people neither of us knew. Yet every time there was a member of her family, she would stop and look closely at the picture. She was calling the names of almost all the children, the grands, and the in-laws. I was amazed, and my heart was warmed by her alertness.

The whole time I was there, I could hardly keep my hands off her. I just wanted to hug and pat and tell her I loved her over and over. When we think about how well and how long she has cared for all of us, I suppose our purpose now is obvious—to love and care for her as much as we can for as long as we can. We love you, Mom. You’re the best!