Look on the Bright Side!

Mom has always looked on the bright side. She never allowed herself the luxury of feeling sorry for herself, and there were times when she would have had every right to do that. Being an only child she was doted on, even during depression years. Her Mom and Dad were always there for her and they were extremely close. After she married, she and Dad moved to California and I can imagine just how hard that was for her, being so far from her parents who were the rock of her life. Marriage is an amazing relationship, someone you aren’t related to and often haven’t known that long…yet the bond is immense. She talks about those years a lot. Her memory now is in the early years, her dementia has robbed her of middle and present years.

This picture was taken by her Granddaughter Stephanie when she was visiting a couple of summers ago. When Stephanie was a baby Mom took care of her while I worked. She basked in the joy of “Motherhood” once again and loved having charge of a little one. They played on the floor, read books and took walks. All of the things that Grandparents are supposed to do to forge those close relationships. I never worried about her care or if her needs were being met, Mom was there to step in.

Mom now lives in a nursing facility that specializes in Dementia Care. It's set up like a home with living room, dining room, kitchen, bedrooms and a nice outdoor area with a courtyard that they can come and go freely in warm weather. My Mother's move from her farm could have been traumatic, but she feels like this is home and is very secure and happy again. That means the world to me. When she reached the point that she could no longer live alone, Windcrest provided her the safe home she needed. It's a close-knit little group of 16 ladies who share their lives daily and have become family. Even now, Mom keeps that smile on her face and looks on the bright side. Surely we can learn a lesson from her to make the best of every day that the Lord gives us.

Happy Mother's Day Mom!