One Year Later (Missing Mom-Mom)

Here we are. . .

It's one year later & I'm grateful that she didn't have to question my love before she left. In her last few years, she forgot my name and age (and the fact that we lived together) but she was quick to call me "such a sweet girl." <3

Living with and caring for someone dealing with dementia and/or Alzheimer's Disease definitely has its challenges and share of frustrations. Over time, my frustration turned into gratitude. I was grateful even though my family & I had to shape our schedules around my grandmother's needs! I was grateful that she was able to live with us, as long as she did... until she needed to be permanently moved into a nursing home! I was grateful that I had multiple (family) friends working at the nursing home- who I knew would look out for her!

After she moved into the nursing home, my parents and I picked specific days that we each would go visit her, in addition to weekly family visits. My day was WEDNESDAY. Well. . . this time/last year, I had returned from a trip to Alabama when my parents told me that her health was deteriorating. I made sure I didn't skip my weekly visit but on Friday-May 1st, I felt a strong urge to visit her and tell her (as always) how much my family and I loved her.

I didn't know whether or not my words registered. I was almost afraid to touch her. Yet, I stood by her bed, kissed her cheek, told her I loved her, and started to cry. After a while, I got myself together and left.

I am so glad that I made that extra visit because it ended up being the last time that we saw each other.

If there's any lesson that I could leave with you, it would be-> be intentional when it comes to love!

Let your friends and family members KNOW how you feel- through your actions! I can't tell you how many times I signed in/out of the nursing home and never saw anyone visiting some of the residents! It got to the point where I would learn their names and have random conversations with them because I didn't want them to feel so isolated.

Everyone needs love! And if you're in a position to share it, go ahead!

While she was living, that's exactly what she did! Even as her memory began to fade, she would smile and try to sing songs that reflected God's Love for us.

Mom-Mom. . . thank you so much for showing me how to Love God, myself, and others! And thank You, LORD, for allowing me to experience her love!

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