I spent today with my mom. My dad had a doctor's appointment that required going two places, and I wasn't sure how my mom would handle a full afternoon of 'hurry up and wait', so I kept mom with me. 
When I picked her up, I thought it was going to be a day of watching her sleep. But, I mentioned going 'shopping' and she jumped out of her slumber and away we went!
Of course, we went to the neighborhood thrift store, and as we were going in we met one of my cousins coming out! (Which, by the way, proves that more than just my diabetes is hereditary!)
My mom found a two piece Tommy Hilfiger outfit for Famke. She has impeccable taste in baby clothes.
But, as thrift shopping will do, she became tired and we left before I had a chance to read every book title, twice.
I have got to learn to stop being so uncomfortable when we go out together in public. My mom does not always looked confused. But, while we were checking out, she was SURE we were in Wisconsin, and was telling the cashier how she is from Grand Rapids and whenever she gets 'out this way' she always comes shopping here.
Back at my house, we had a leisurely lunch around my kitchen table. She was clear as a bell. This gave me an opportunity to talk to her about how she is feeling. Alzheimer's is an awful disease. It takes large chunks of memory away, and then randomly throws them back in your face, leaving you with no ability to sort them out. I no longer try to 'straighten out' my mom's thoughts, as Alzheimer's will bring out its ugly crimping iron and mess them up a few short seconds after I'm done.
My mom had a dream that my dad died. It haunts her night and day, and when she cannot see him, she thinks it's true.
Daughter stopped over and my mom had a delightful time with Famke and Jonge. Famke adores looking at my mom and smiling. This works at soothing my mom's soul. At one point, she had both of them and it was obvious that she was having the time of her life!
She likes to make them laugh - note the picture where she has the pillow on her head.
My dad came out very well at the doctor.
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3 comments:
Those are beautiful pictures Judy. And I love your comment about the kids soothing your mom's soul... that is a PERFECT way of describing it.
I love hearing you describe your mom and her days. I can hear compassion in your voice. And I'm glad that your mom still often has clear thoughts, time with her great-grandhchildren and that you can share days and moments and your grandchildren with her. Blessings, Debra
I enjoyed reading about your day with your mom. It reminded me of my own mother who passed away in April. We had a lot of fun together even when she got pretty confused.
Edna
grandmahenke.com
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