Visit with Mom

She tapped lightly on the bed wanting me to sit beside her. I sat down and hugged her, she feels so thin, I hope I will be able to hide my feelings from her. I have never bee n good at deceiving, she always catches on.

Mom looks tired yet her eyes sparkled as she spooned Boost and Ice Cream from a Glass. “Does this have Ice Cream In It? “, yes Mom I saw Trish mix some in when I was in the kitchen. “Well, Ice Cream makes everything go down better. Remember that”, she said.

Trish entered the room, I confessed that I had “Ratted Her Out” over the addition of the ice cream. She laid down next to Mom, comfortable in her flannel PJ's.

Conversation was light and cheerful, Mom enjoying our presence (And Her Ice Cream). Soon, It's time for another pill but she is having trouble swallowing them, Trish got up to prepare one by smashing it into more ice cream.

The second Trish left the room Mom leaned over, “Michael, Trish is taking such good care of me. She is even sleeping with me in case I have trouble during the night.” Smiling she laid back on her pillow.

The road home led me past homes ablaze with Christmas lights and signs of the season. As I drove on I started singing Christmas Carols.

My recovery moves forwards at a snails pace but I am content as I see progress. At this time last year, running a few miles required wrapping my feet in cold towels. Running a few miles would lead me to stand barefoot on our icy front porch. At this time last year I was sporting a Colostomy Bag pondering surgery to “Put Me Back Together”.

When I left Mom and Dads Saturday Evening, Mom gave me yet again another gift. The strength and grace in how she approaches end of life ..... struck a nerve which has been dead for some time. As I drove home grief was replaced with song, song opened a door to happiness.

Merry Christmas ............. Mike