My Mother's Smile

My mother hasn't known me for months. Yesterday, when I went to the retirement community to pick up my father to take him to the very sad funeral (yesterday's post), I stopped by to see my mother.

When I walked into the room she broke into a smile all over and announced, "That's my daughter!" We talked, more or less, and she beamed with delight the whole time. (Usually she just naps and looks at me with glazed eyes.) I asked her how she was doing. She said, "I'm doing well because you're doing well."

And when the attendant was fixing the lift machine to get my mother from the bed to the Gerry Chair (geriatric chair), my mother looked at me and said, "Now I'm going to show you some tricks."

I couldn't believe it.

When we were saying goodbye she said, "I love you." And I said the same.

What a gift! To have her present and alert for just a few minutes. And though everything has changed, none of the big things have. I can't wait to get all of her back in heaven.

If your mother knows you, go give her a hug. Then hug her again. Keep hugging her until she tells you to go away. Then don't go.

Comments

[Sassy]

Oh Anne, that is wonderful news. It brought a tear to my eye. I'm happy you got to enjoy that moment with your mother. :)

[Angela]

That was such a beautiful post. I know those minutes of clarity from your mom are few and far between and you cherish every second of them. I will give my mom an extra long hug when I see her next!

[Anwyn]

That's wonderful.

[Chris]

Anne, I'm glad you had that time with your Mother. I hope you have more like that.

[Angry]

That's beautiful, Anne.

[Liza's Eyeview]

It's so nice to read this. I wish you more of this time with your mom, but whether it's more or less of this - I know this time will always be cherished.

[Joan]

Anne, I had tears in my eyes reading this. My mother and I had similar unexpected experiences with my grandmother suddenly "being there" after long periods of no communication or apparent awareness. Those were precious times to us. Joan