Tomorrow, 11-10, my Momma will celebrate her 88th birthday. I took her out to lunch yesterday and surprised her with/ a piece of cake for her dessert. She loved it. I didn’t know she loved sweets so much!
Dementia is a funny, mean, sad, hard thing. She recognizes me and loves to go out. She enjoys rides in the car with the windows down. Lunches out are her favorite, especially when they come with a margarita. Yesterday, we went to another new-to-us burger place (she loves burgers and onion rings). Then I pushed her around the block to keep her in the sunshine and fresh air for a bit longer. She loves to look at the planes and birds. When I got to her place, I suggested she push the wheelchair, for some exercise, and when she started singing, I jumped in the chair and she pushed me. Don’t worry, she didn’t get far! She said, “Boy, you’re heavy!”
She is not the same woman I grew up with or saw in 2015, but from research and readings, this ‘new normal’ was foreshadowing. Only once has she ‘lost’ my name. That was a hard, shitty day. This disease steals so much from a person, thus also stealing from the family. Thankfully, she remains happy and communicative.
I’m happy she’s living happily. She loves her place and the caregivers. I respect those who give their lives to helping and caring for their/our elderly or infirm parents. It is no cakewalk.
So, I honor her and will celebrate her some more this weekend and next week. Cheers to 88 years, Mom!
Love hard. Play hard. Hug hard.
Aloha,
Denise
