Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Mom Again

Mom & Dad

I went to see Mom Sunday....As you know she's got Alzhiemer's Disase.  She likes to talk.  Most of the words she says are gibberish, but I understand the point she's trying to make.  I always ask her questions. Where do you live, what's your name, have you been a good girl and so on.  I keep her talking and trying to remember. She knows her name and always says it...she knows what city she's in...but those are the only two consistent thoughts she has.  She knows my name but doesn't realize I'm her daughter.  She doesn't remember giving birth or being married, which makes me kinda sad.  All in all though, she's happy.  She 's always giggling and whatever she's thinking it makes her laugh and laugh.   Which in turn makes me smile too.   

(That picture is an oil painting of my Mom and Dad.  My brother and I had it done for Mom awhile ago.  We took their black and white wedding photo and brought it to the artist who did an excellent job).

22 comments:

buffalodick said...

To have her body attacked by time is tough to accept, but to have her memories stolen is a real tragedy... It's good you have the memories of better times... Everyone I talk to knows someone that has been attacked by this terrible disease- what to do?

Anonymous said...

Hang in there Odat! I am here for you if you need me.

Christy said...

The painting is beautiful. I'm sorry your Mom is forgetting things. It must be difficult. I'm proud of you for continuing to be there for her and trying to jog her memory. And I'm happy to know the two of you laugh together. =o)

RW said...

What a great painting! I am glad your still able to laugh with your Mother Odat. Have a good day. :D

Empress Bee (of the high sea) said...

it is lovely honey...

smiles, bee
xoxoxxoxoxoxo

Deb said...

Your mom is so pretty.

katherine. said...

nice idea to have the photograph made into the painting!

I am glad her time now is happy...

Sandee said...

Your parents are very, very good looking. It's so sad to watch parents' health decline. Both my parents are gone and I miss them terribly. It was a daily visit for years and years. Have a great day Odat. Big hug and lotsa lovies. :)

Lone Grey Squirrel said...

Alzheimer's tough on everyone. But be glad that she is happy. Hugs.

Akelamalu said...

What a beautiful painting. Alzheimer's is such a terrible disease, I feel for you and your Mum honey. x

Say It said...

what a beautiful couple. Your mom obviously did an amazing job raising you because you are a great daughter to her.

Say It said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Traveling Bells said...

What a lovely tribute. Enjoy the giggles...that's OK to do. Lots of hugs, sweetie.

Sarge Charlie said...

what a nice post Miss Odat, no wonder you are my hero.

Patti said...

It's wonderful that you can enjoy your time with your mother, even though she is not remembering much at all.
Alzheimer's is a terrible disease.


They made such a handsome couple!

Anonymous said...

She is beautiful! I love this painting.

I watched my husband's grandmother suffer from this Alzheimer's as well. It's a very difficult thing to deal with.

Anonymous said...

The painting is amazing! Good for you for getting it done. That's a very sweet thing to do.

I'm delighted your mother is happy - what a blessing that is. While I am sorry for your loss - I am glad she's happy. What more can a person want than to just be happy in their final days? You'd be surprised how rarely people are actually happy.... but that's another story.

the walking man said...

A beautiful bride to a handsome American hero.

You and I are roughly the same age O. certainly the same generation.

I was glad my granny went away as she waned and sad that my mom had to live in full consciousness as she was passing. Granny was 105 and my mom was 80.

Personally as long as your mom isn't violent in this place she is at. I say accept it. She is your mom and this is just another cobble stone in her path. She may appear empty or gone to you, but I think you have adjusted your thinking and it sounds to me like the love still grows.

Peace

Unknown said...

What a beautiful portrait to have of your parents. alzheimers is so hard on everyone, we lost my step-grandmother to it, and I am pretty sure that my mother is going to have it, the doctors have started to mention it.
The Notebook, and The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks are very moving books to me because they touch on the everlasting love one can have even when there is alzheimers in the family.
Hugs to you sweet one.

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful portrait to have of your parents. I can see the both of them in your picture. So beautiful!

I'm glad that she's at least happy in this state...

Hugs, Odat....

Michael C said...

What a great looking couple your parents were, Odat!!!!!!

Echomouse said...

That's a gorgeous painting Odat.

Your Mom may not remember some things, but she's there. I'm most happy for you that you are able to visit her :) That can't be easy, seeing her this way. {Hug}