Before February ends, I have to tell you about my mom.
Remember her? The one who turned 80 years old yesterday.
She is an identical twin. Her sister also turned 80 yesterday.
My mom was the twin that was incredibly sick. She had terrible kidney problems, and wasn't expected to survive her early childhood.
But, she did.
When she married my dad she weighed 99 pounds on a good day.
When she was pregnant with her second child, it was suggested by her OB that she terminate her pregnancy. Her heart was so enlarged he did not think she would survive.
But, she did.
When she was in her late 50's, she developed breast cancer.
Obviously, she survived that too.
For 59 years she has kept alive a husband who didn't stand much of a chance of survival either. He was born with an extremely serious heart defect. Nobody knew it until eight years ago when he had it corrected (on Valentine's Day).
She nursed him through back surgery, kidney stone surgery, broken bones, strokes, heart failure, COPD and prostate cancer, just to name a few.
She's never flown in an airplane. She won't ride on boats. She was never a good driver. She always wanted to go to Florida, but never has.
But, if you were to ask her about her life she would tell you, "I've been blessed."
The crowning jewels of her life are her three daughters, her eight grandchildren and her one great grandson. Even though she has dementia, she still asks me regularly how the 'new' great grandbaby is coming along.
Yesterday when she was here, she told me that she had tried to reach her twin sister, but she didn't get an answer. She commented to me that she was probably out for the day. Then she told me that she feels sorry for her, not having any children to celebrate with. I feel sorry for her, too.
Then a little bit of her dementia, and how she copes with it showed up. I asked her if her younger sister had called. She pondered that thought for just a minute and looked at me and said "I don't remember. Knowing her, I am sure she did. When dad gets here, ask me again. He'll know. Then he will tell me what she said and I'll remember." Sure enough, that's exactly what happened.
My mom has dementia.
She's surviving that, too.
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11 comments:
An absolutely beautiful tribute to your Mom, Judy. When I read posts like this one, it makes my heart ache for what I never did have with my own mother. Your Mom is truly blessed to have you as a daughter.
Your mom sounds like a wonderful woman. How truly lucky you are!
I enjoyed reading about your mother. Mine recently turned 91 and is another wonderful mom with dementia that is more advanced now. We are blessed to have such sweet mama's.
Sweet story...thanks for sharing! It sounds like your mom is coping well considering all!!
First, I agree the photo of baby boy below is absolutely gorgeous. I love it too.
Second - this tribute to your mother is touching and beautiful.
Sweet words from a loving daughter.
My mom is 84 and also suffering from dementia and other personality disorders - it can be very trying. The Lord said to lean on Him and I do.
That picture of Baby Boy is so darling, hasn't time flown?
That was wonderful - I just love your posts - all of them - every single one of them.
Thank you so much!
Oh, I loved reading about your special mom! Thanks for writing such a delightful post about her and your dad, too... You sound like a fun family! Blessings, Debra
oh, ouch.
You have a lot of love in your heart, Judy.
Belated congratulations to your Mom, the survivor. Yes, I think that many people are able to develop reasonable coping mechanisms with dementia -- at least at a certain stage. Seems like she still has a good quality of life at 80, and that's not bad. The thought of it, because I feel that's where I'm headed, is still scary though.
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