In March 2020 my H and I visited mom over lunch time and
at the end of our visit carefully expressed that we may not be able to see her for some time.
Of course, no one had any idea of any real "ifs" and how long!
I can't let my thoughts go on to wonder what she has felt.
Last week I received a call from her home
to say that I could sign up for my vaccination to be her essential visitor.
I got vaccinated.
And more good news ...
I do not need to make an appointment to see her.
So today I simply went and rang the doorbell,
put on the full PPE gear and was escorted up the elevator.
Once in her room I could take off the face shield,
which made it so much nicer.
It's been a long time ...
and all I wanted was to hold her hand,
put my face near hers, speak while looking at her eyes ...
I got it all and more ...
a look of "how nice to see you!"
which brought tears to my eyes right off the bat.
A few "ya" responses, listening to music, praying, reading her Bible and lunch,
all in the comfort of her neat and tidy room.
I can't even express how grateful we are for her amazing caregivers.
As I leafed through her Bible I found little notes tucked inside,
notes and underlined verses that tell so much about her.
In this particular note it seemed to me she had jotted down thoughts to share
before singing somewhere.
This is who she was and is, self taught in English writing as an adult and
determined not to let a new language stop her.
Today it's stacks of CDs and a player for caregivers to turn on.
Her way of sharing what's meaningful to her
even while her voice is gone.
❤❤❤
7 comments:
I’ve often wondered if she thinks we have all forgotten about her. And lately I’ve been afraid of how she would be once we could return - would she remember us or would her mind be completely shut down? I’m so very thankful that you are able to visit with her, to hug her and to hold her hand! ❤️
I am so glad that you are able to visit your sweet mom again. I often wonder where a person's true self resides with dementia. How lovely for you to find those notes in her Bible and capture a bit of her true self.
Thank you so much for the update on your mom! I have thought of her so often, prayed for her and you during this time of isolation. She looks good. I'm glad her health has been sustained for this past year. So happy you got to spend time with her!
This is great news. I am sure your mom knows you Anneliese. How gratifying for you both that her care home has made this arrangement. xxxSharon
This is so sweet "at last" to be able to touch and hold your mom! So lovely for her but especially so good for you too! Thank you for sharing these special and personal thoughts and feelings.
Praise the Lord that you could finally visit and look into her eyes and hear her say ya in affirmation. I'm glad you can just show up now, too.
I am just so thankful that you can visit her in person again...at long last! How wonderful that she seems to be in good health and even somewhat responsive. Such a beautiful note you found in her Bible!
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