Spa Day

Mom was pampered during Spa Day.  She and her peers had facials, foot massages and manicures; fancy drinks and fancy sandwiches; they were spoiled rotten for a day.  I visited with her later on and she was glowing.  Hearing her laughter and clear speech brought tears to my eyes; happy tears.  She was so animated; so articulate.  She asked how I was feeling and then mentioned Angel-Kitty, whom she never speaks of unless I bring up our cat's antics.  While I understand that there is no point in trying to recapture the way Mom was, it is lovely when her sweet, funny self shows up, with the reminder that she never actually left herself behind; there are just some pathways in her mind that have put her on a new journey.

And part of this new journey has meant that, for some time now, I have advocated for her to move into Special Care; an area of The Home more suited to those who are living with Dementia.  It is not clear that she is aware of the change, especially since she had been a “Day Visitor” on a number of occasions.  What is clear is that she is settling in well, for which I am very thankful. 

Facing the blank walls in her new room, I realized I was about to recreate her past, but it came to me with palpable emotions: Mom’s present days are just as valuable.  As I hung some of her oil paintings and precious photographs of family, I found myself singing: “Jesus Loves me, This I Know.”  The words re-formed in mind: “Jesus loves Mom, this I know.” 

Now, if I could just wheedle my way into the next Spa Day, that would be awesome.  I even have a name picked out: “Beautiful Mothers-Beautiful Daughters.”