Thursday, October 20, 2011

BITTER SWEET

Mom and I posed special for this picture, for my brother, Jeff!

I spent the week of Thanksgiving in Nova Scotia dividing my time between staying with my Dad at the house, and with my Mom, close to the nursing home in New Glasgow. It was a bitter sweet trip, but I made the most of it. My Mom's brain cancer will eventually rob her or her memories, so I was just grateful that she knew who I was.

These brightly coloured chairs came to symbolize the people who work in the Manor to me as I walked to and from the building every day. It takes a special kind of person to work at a place like this.

I stayed at a motel within walking distance to the manor so I was able to spend all day with my Mom, and slip out now and again to give her time to rest.

On the bulletin board above Mom's bed are lots of cards, pictures and postcards to remind her of how loved she is.

The day I left the manor for the last time to go back to the house and spend more time with my Dad before flying back to Toronto was the hardest. I fell into one of the nurse's arms crying as I was leaving. I have a memory of looking back and seeing my Dad behind me, and my Mother following behind him in her wheelchair that I will never forget, ever.

My Dad, not one to show emotion, took the old highway home and talked the whole way about the old days, comforting me in his own way.

I spent the afternoon with Dad at the house and then went out for a late supper with friends. It was a much needed distraction.

King Lam egg rolls are simply the best, and I need a feed of them every time I am in Truro.


Friends from elementary, junior, and high school!

These girls were as great as the King Lam egg rolls we all chowed down on. They listened to me ramble on about everything from Mom to my great love of Harry Potter. I hope they are there for me again, when I make "that" trip back.

I had a great visit with my Mom and has hard as it was at times, I'm really glad I went.

I made my Mom laugh, a lot, and that will stay with me always.

3 comments:

Darlene said...

Thanks for sharing that with us all, Angie. You moved me to tears. It was very touching.

Anonymous said...

Deb & I are thinking about you Angie.
You only ever have one Mom so you have to cherish every moment with her.
Which I know you have done as you have a huge heart!

Teena in Toronto said...

It's nice that you got to spend this special time with her ... you'll always treasure it.