As 2019 winds down, our family enters an uncertain New Year. As many of my readers know, my mother lives with us. She turns 92 in April. Mom has always been my number one beta reader and super fan.
We called the paramedics on Saturday, after I began wondering if she might have had a stroke. I would have taken her to the hospital myself, but Mom was having difficulty standing and there was no way I could take her myself.
As it turned out she did have a stroke—we found out yesterday after the MRI results came in. Unfortunately, the window for medication to help counter adverse side effects had closed, as we believe she may have had the stroke earlier in the week—but we missed the signals.
Part of my problem, I tend to be in denial when it comes to evaluating Mom—I don’t even want to consider my beloved mother is slipping away. And so, I often fail to see what is right before me.
All Mom wants to do is come home. She hates it at the hospital. Several years ago, after she broke her hip, she had to go in rehab for a couple of months. I have to say, she was a trooper about it, but I know she hated it, and I can understand why. In The Ghost and Little Marie the care home she stayed in (not any of the fine staff who cared for her) inspired the story.
I want Mom home too, but I know there will be lots of changes coming our way. I’m not sure how self-sufficient she will be at home. This afternoon I will be calling to get more information on care support services.
People are often praising us for taking care of Mom—and my mother-in-law who lived in our guest house before she passed away. However, when I think of someone deserving praise for caring for an elder parent, I think of a friend of mine, who continues to care for a mother who failed him as a child—to say the least.
As for my mother, she has always been a wonderful mom. And while not a perfect person—none of us are—I would never have wanted another mother, not even if I could trade her for my beloved Grandma Hilda—and that is saying a lot.
(Above photo take of Mom, October 2019. Lunch out after a trip to the beauty shop.)
So sorry about your mom. She does not look her age at all. Hope she has a speedy recovery.
Thank you. So happy to report I was able to bring Mom home today. She is currently napping in her sitting area. Very content to be home!!
Dear Bobbi, I, too, took care of my mom until her death back in January 2008. I was her caregiver and Hospice caregiver for her last 35 days. It wasn’t easy. But I knew no one else could provide her better care than I could. My mom was only 71 when she died. I miss her terribly! I’m glad I was able to give her the love and care she needed until she went home to God. Blessings to you and courage for helping her toward the end of her human life. Peace.
Oh my, 71 is so young!! I am so sorry you lost your mother so soon. I totally understand what you are saying. I was with my father and mother-in-law when they passed–and talked to them the entire time, saying goodby and wishing them well on their new journey. As for Mom, Happy to say, I brought Mom home today. She is soooooo happy to be home. Currently napping in her sitting area.