This entry was posted in Alzheimer's, Dementia, Elderly Parents and tagged Alzheimer's, Assisted Living, Cats, Chocolate Cream Pie, Death, Death and Dying, Death by Chocolate, Dementia, Elderly Parents, Elderly Uninary Tract Infection, Estate Sale, Health, Love, Mid-Life, Mother's Day, Urinary Tract Infection. Bookmark the permalink.
We always seem to think that whatever ‘is’ right now will be the same forever, yet life is about change, so why are we always surprised when parents age and we need to deal with the things they’ve accumulated? Perhaps I’m assuming how you feel, because that’s how I felt when I had to sort out the old family home.
BTW, that pie sounds delicious!
I definitely used to think my family would stay the same forever. Having been smacked around a lot by change over the past few years, I’ve learned better. Still, my mother wanted her home to remain a time capsule. It’s been a long process getting her to let go. The surprise to me at this point was just how much stuff was packed into that house. Sheesh! Despite the stuff I brought home, I’m determined to embark on a minimization project. The pie was delicious!
My mom died when I was 9, but when my dad passed, years later, I seriously considered lighting a match and burning down the house. I didn’t, but boy, was it tempting!
Feel better about your mom’s house, now?
Holy moly! I do! My dad had only a two-car garage to pack full of his tools and fasteners and coffee cans full of odds and ends. If he’d had a five, surely he would have filled it. I do understand the burning-it-down sentiment. Which is why we didn’t linger long over the rooms full of paper mementos.
Just knew you’d understand that temptation!
Great story, Pinka! Those are my thoughts exactly. If she wants to eat pie and do nothing but pet her cat all day, then I will fight for her right to do just that.
Pinka, I totally get what you are saying. I’m glad my grandma’s only sister didn’t harp on any choices of treats and stuff we brought to Grandma when we visited. My grandma was allergic to chocolate, but we never deprived her of anything else. My aunt (her sister) always brought her something special and not chocolate everytime she came to visit. One time, we went for Christmas Day to visit, and my mom brought pepperoni, cheese, and crackers. No one stopped grandma from eating it. No one ever harped over what she ate, as long as it wasn’t chocolate!
I’m so glad your mother perked up over the weekend so that you knew the antibiotics were working. And chocolate cream pie too!
It was such a relief! I think that pie had healing powers.
i like it you tagged your story with #love as that was all I read in it. take care, love to you.
When you write, I’m so drawn into your story. I love the title of this post – and the prior one is next to it. “To treat or not to treat” – looks like you got your answer in a unique way. I think having a piece of pie is absolutely the sweetest thing and one of those memories you’ll hold onto.
Judy, thank you so much for your kind words about my writing! Mom did give me the answer. And she sure savored that piece of pie–she ate the last bit tonight.
I see you haven’t posted for over two weeks. Just letting you know I’m thinking about you and hoping that both you and your mom are okay.
Got a good peaceful feeling reading this. Glad the estate company is going to finish up.
Cat on a chair, “Contented” , and pie. Perfect.
I’m getting better at it. If I listen, she lets me know what she needs. And really, we’re more alike than I knew. Cats and pie. It is that simple. Thank you for your encouragement all the way through, Phil. I hope the rain goes easy on the Realm and the kids get out for some fresh air and muddy paws.
Funny how much we learn about ourselves later in life – when there’s the combat about growing up and gaining independence is over.
Simple is good. And enough. Takes a long time to realize that.
Oddly the mosquitoes aren’t horrendous here yet. Maybe Galveston Co is already spraying or something. Clouds keeping temps down so late afternoon walks aren’t out of the question yet. Molly show no interest in learning how to use the treadmill.
I’m with Molly: I don’t like the treadmill, either. Boring!
I love your writing too. I almost feel like I’m there with you.
This reminds me so much of my Dad’s time in the hospital and rehab facility after his several bouts of pneumonia. I remember bringing him in a hot fudge sundae and telling him he should just eat a bit at a time – we didn’t want to tip the nurses off with elevated sugar levels. He got very lucid for a moment, smiled and said that he was going to eat every bite and make sure there was chocolate on his lips as evidence! It is one of the good memories I hold onto.
That’s a wonderful memory, Lydia! There is joy in witnessing their rebellion.
I’m glad too, Debra. “in lak’ech” Wonderful sentiment. Thank you!