The things they did!

Our life has changed in the last 3 months, since my precious Mom had a stroke.  I have spent lots of time with her, and seen an amazing strength in her.  She has been physically limited and must depend on others.  For the most part, I have watched her concern for others, wishing she wasn't a bother to them.  She would apologize for making their job challenging.  Many times, they would leave with a smile or laughing about something she said.  She has been incredible! 

 

I loved the stories she shared with me.  She talked about her mother, Katherine Beauchamp Ryan. She is to be admired, and I'm thankful that my Mom sees her as her guardian angel.  She was definitely an angel to others, as Mom tells it. As a child, Mom watched her pick up hitch hikers, bring them home and feed them.  In her kindness, she ask about their life and saw to it that they left with food and drink to sustain them.  One lesson Mom learned from her about judging and kindness was the day they waited outside the store, as a young boy was being reamed for trying to shoplift.  When he came out of the store, Katherine gently told him that he needed to get the item the right way. She gave him some money and told him to go buy the item.  That sweet lesson was condemned by adults, saying she didn't teach him a lesson.  But, Mom and I both agree that it was love and kindness, a huge lesson learned.

We talked a lot about Dad.  It seems that Mom is wakened many nights, with the feeling that he is in her bed. If she could only roll over or move, then his knee wouldn't be in her back.  So, she usually wakes to get comfortable, asking that he stop crowding her.  For me, that is a bitter sweet feeling. 

She told of Dad coaching Darby's softball team.  He never tolerated any parents outburst.  He told them he would send them home.  He only had to make that promise good, one time...he made Mom leave when she commented to the umpire that "they are playing baseball, not golf."  In spite of that, they were a great team! 

As we moved Mom to the nursing home, she only requested that 2 pictures be hung on her wall.  Both are of her grandson, Adam.  I know at this time in her life, she feels very close to him.  He must be her connection to what lies ahead.  

However, she always wants to know what the great grand kids are up to.  That does brighten her day.

I do think that sweet little Darby and Mom have a special bond.  Not one made from time together, but just maybe from a common heart of sweetness, with a little orneriness.  That sweet girl does have a heart for her Grando, a blessing that shines in all this upheaval.  

Even in her hardest struggles, I love that Mom can recall the things they did.