Last Sunday, a couple of days before her birthday,
Monika and I, with our hubbies, went to see mom at her home
to celebrate her 84th Birthday.
In years gone by, she felt bad that her birthday was so close to Christmas.
It was not that she felt sorry for herself,
but for those of us who wanted to make it special ...
"when it's such a busy time."
Since she gets her food pureed now,
we decided to bring cookies to dunk in coffee.
A peppermint cookie may or may not have brought back some familiarity,
but we know she enjoyed the time around the table
in the company of son-in-laws who still make her laugh.
On her actual birthday,
Monika and I had not planned to meet there, but we did.
Sometimes we try hard to make her smile for a picture.
The truth is,
I want to guard others from seeing her with her strange expression.
And yet, this is what I've come to understand ...
she wants to smile
she wants to smile
but most of the time, no matter how hard she tries,
something is off.
I believe she knows it has something to do with her mouth,
but her brain is forgetting how to send the smile signal to those muscles.
Strange, how simple things we do so naturally
still need a clear command and follow through.
On the other hand,
it shows the complexity of how we are made.
So marvelously created.
We have made new memories with mom this year
and I'm thankful for the peace and contentment she expresses.
Happy Birthday to my smiling mom!
♡♡♡
11 comments:
How lovely. The brain is indeed a marvellous creation. Beyond anything a human could engineer. I believe in her soul your mum rejoices at your visits.
Thank you, Angharad! Wishing you a blessed Christmas!
I think this is one of the sweetest posts I've ever read. I am sure your dear mama is smiling in her heart and soul. What a blessing for you and your sister! God bless and have a Blessed and Merry Christmas.
I love how you and Monica showed up without the other one knowing. Sweet time with your mom.
Such a sweet time with your mom and sister. I love that she continues to want to smile. Merry Christmas, Anneliese.
Your mom's beauty shines through in her smile. She definitely enjoyed your visits!
I believe too that she is smiling for the picture. Our brains are fascinating indeed. So glad to hear that she is contented - what a blessing! I have fond memories of how the sons-in-law would be able to humour my MIL and make her laugh even though she couldn't remember our names. Now that she is gone we remember how she was before her illness - wonderful memories of Christmases past! Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones Anneliese!
Aww, Happy Birthday to your Mom! Peace and Blessings to your family.
Thank you, each one of you for your care and good wishes!
There is something so sweet about this post, also sad and beautiful all at the same time.
Thank you, Kathy... it makes me happy that you met my mom before she had Alzheimer's.
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