I Visited My Mother This Past Sunday

My Mom Turned 100 One Month Ago Today…

…and that started me thinking.  I visited my mother this past Sunday as I do not do as frequently as I should, you know, considering the age thing.  Before I dive too deep here, I need to tell you my mother lives alone in an assisted living facility in her own apartment.  She stills walks (though she does use a scooter to venture outside her apartment). She is completely independent.  Her parts are starting to wear out to be sure.  Her hearing is a little rough and her eyesight is really going, but all other bodily functions are fantastic.  

As I told you, I visited my mother last Sunday.  We chat.  Our talks are a blast.  Our talks are interesting.  Our talks are a trip down a Memory Lane that I am not completely sure I was ever a part of, but I love to share stories with her.  Her mind is slipping in some instances and totally lucid in others.  She will ask me such random questions about things that happened many, many years ago, because, you know, she has a whole bunch of years to review.  For example, she will ask me if I ever met my grandparents.  Right!?  Of course, I did.  She will confuse the places we once lived and she will do a very interesting mash-up of events from the places we lived, but I just leave it alone.  You see, that is what she remembers and who am I to take that from her?  

I love our chats.  We reminisce, we laugh a lot, because at this stage of my mother’s life everything is great. All the mess and chaos growing up that seemed so important has all settled.  Looking back on all the worry and trepidation encountered through the years, ultimately none of it amounted to much.  Today when we talk, only the good stuff is remembered.  All the other stuff has no value now. 

If you ever have the opportunity to spend the last days of a loved one take full advantage.  The time spent reliving sweet memories and experiences from the perspective of looking backwards is amazing.  You realize we really do live a life well spent.  

I visited my mother this past Sunday.