We Are Thankful

Happy Thanksgiving!

Joe was determined that just because it was just the four of us for dinner like it is everyday, he wanted a turkey dinner. So he made one. He did a great job and it really was special for everyone. We sat at the dining room table, Mom at one end and Joe and the other. Joe carved the turkey and we passed the dishes of mashed potatoes, green beans etc. after prayer and each saying what we are thankful for. Mom was thankful that we were all here together. As we passed the dishes, Mom took what she wanted and passed it on. (we usually fix a plate and put it in front of her because she frequently refuses foods if we let her choose) However, she took a little of everything mostly. At the end of the meal I asked if she wanted anything else and she did say that no, she had had enough and that she had some of everything. I advised her that she had skipped the green beans and that she needed to have some. She was a good sport and offered to eat one. And she did! Now Mom had eaten a little of everything. I am sure Mom does not know the significance of Thanksgiving or the connection to having turkey, but because we did it all together and have pecan pie for dessert, she is having a good day. I know that Mom is bored, laying in her bed, sitting at the table, wandering around. But there is little to engage her in and I have to admit, I am the worst for sitting with her and doing nothing. Or even puttering with her on her stuff and listening to her mostly made up stories. It was easier to do the first hundred or so times.

It is also difficult to let her be independent and I know that the more I do for her, the less opportunity she has to connect sequential thoughts. But we almost always have mishaps. Spilled coffee, dropped jar of jelly, creamer in her water, clothes on over pajamas. For instance, this morning, when Mom got up from the table to put the jelly in the refrigerator and the peanut butter in the cupboard, I took them from her and told her that I was going to use them. I had prepared a cup of coffee and let it sit on the counter by the coffee pot, which is on the same counter as the sink. I turned to fix my toast and Mom got up to take her glass, knife and spoon to the sink. I let it go, seeing her out of the corner of my eye. I turned with my toast to pick up my coffee and found her dirty silver ware in my coffee! Joe and I got an exasperated giggle out of it and I had milk instead. Mostly what we got out of it as we talked, was how precious these times are and the regret we have that others are missing out on these day to day moments.

Like earlier, as I sat with Mom at breakfast and stretched my fingers out and one of them cracked. Mom asked "can you fly now?" I assured her that I could now fly and someday I might just fly away with her. Mom was good with that, and although we noted the moment with our eyes, did not dwell on how we got to flying when my finger made a cracking noise!

Moments of Joy and Thankfulness! We are thankful to have this time with Mom. I wouldn't/couldn't have it any other way. We love you all for sharing this time with us by keeping us in your thoughts and prayers!