Her fridge is stocked up with shortening and lard to bake a truck full of cookies and pies,
just in case . . . as it always has been.
Birthday cards, carefully chosen for the youngest to the oldest,
lie on the counter in semi confusion.
Her heart is full of wanting to give how she always has
but time is getting in the way.
Not time, as in how much time, but time as in
what day is today
or even what month
and did she send a card already?
The lucky ones get two to be sure.
She told me she was making jam rolls for Monika's and my birthday.
The fact that Monika already got her jam rolls earlier this year -
in mom's mind last year - and my birthday is not here yet does not matter.
All I know is that
when she came by, my eyes teared up.
How beautiful she looked standing there in the door!
I told her I had to get my camera because . . .
and I realized this has not happened for a while
and I don't know when she will think about it again.
Maybe I have not said so, but she makes the best jam rolls.
I've tried and they do not come close.
This was a good day for her and I thank God for it . . .
an early birthday gift.
17 comments:
Wow, Anneliese. Thank you for sharing a very different perspective on memory lapses than I have been feeling for my mom. I needed to hear this today. Today's post is but one of the many reasons I'm so glad you still share your thoughts and experiences with us. Your mom is indeed beautiful!
This was a heart-touching post.....your mom IS beautiful, and I'm so glad you captured the moment. Really, this moment is all we have, and if dementia/memory issues teaches us anything....it is to live with joy in the moment! Thanks again.:). Karin
So special!! And good for you to quickly grab your camera and remember it with a picture! Time moves on too quickly it seems...
Your Mom's jam rolls look perfect! What a gift to have such a beautiful delivery from a beautiful loving mom!
And what a precious gift it was! Such a beautiful post.
Very touching and meaningful Anneliese.
What a beautiful picture of your Mum, to be cherished for sure.
A heartfelt post.
Audrey.
Can you post the recipe for those jam rolls?
Thank you for sharing, this brought tears to my eyes! So glad you can share these moments with your mom. Embrace them while you have them.
Praying for you as you deal with the many emotions with a very difficult disease.
Love and Hugs!!
Jennifer (Calgary)
Dear Anonymous,
It would be really nice to know you you are but thank you for asking.
One version has been posted . . .http://www.mennonitegirlscancook.ca/2010/03/jam-rolls-rollchen.html It does not seem to matter if she uses water, milk, or buttermilk or a combination thereof... they are always good. We like them crispy, so we do not cover them tightly, except to freeze and remove lid to thaw.
And thank you to the next Anonymous... Jen! How I love to hear form you. Love, and hugs back!
This post brought tears for me. I totally understand every word that you shared about this exception woman. You shared her in such a heartwarming, gracious way. Loved this! Loved seeing her hands. Hands that have blessed others in countless ways over the years.
Thank you Anneliese for your loving thoughts on a difficult situation -- so very hard for children to watch parents struggle with memory. Your Mom is so beautiful and her heart is so generous - what a wonderful thing that she can still serve you and your sister. I'm sure you treasure all of these moments. Thank you also for writing what is so dear to your heart - so many of us are thankful for the words you write.
Helen
what a beautiful post - trying to look at the bright side things isn't always easier... but so wonderful for you to have this time with her!
Thank you Anneliese for sharing with us, this brought tears to my eyes she is such a special lady. I have learned to cry silently and laugh out loud with my dad who seems to have moments of memory lapse. I take each day as a gift to be able to laugh with him. Thank you again.
A bittersweet post - praying for you and your mom as each day passes. I admire you for recognizing and seizing the good moments and treating with love and tenderness the difficult ones. What a treasure of love and wisdom she has passed down to you.
What a beautiful picture of your mother. Still the same smile like when I met her over 30 years ago. Having walked the journey thru Dementia and Alzheimers with my own mother, and most recently with my father-in-law, your post brings tears to my eyes. I remember many days when I wished time would stand still, I as well, would grab my phone and try to forever capture the moment. Be encouraged as you walk this journey with your mom.
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