NOTE: Very Picture Heavy!
A funny thing happened during the last 50 years. I grew up. That wild child with the Harley who traveled the country and lived on a sailboat and did everything she wanted, is the now responsible adult.
Last year I realized my mom was suffering from dementia, and as her power of attorney I moved her into assisted living for her own safety. But I was so depressed everytime I visited her and I knew that her mental health was declining rapidly as well. In November Joe and I moved Mom and her dog ShaSha in with us. One month ago today I found her on her bathroom floor suffering from a stroke. The paramedics arrived almost immediately but a lot of damage had already been done. She is now living permanently in a nursing home that is 10 minutes from our home. Those of you that are friends on my personal facebook page have watched me fall apart and pick myself back up again as I make sure Mom is well cared for. We just got home from spending the afternoon with her and having a Papa John’s Chicken Cordon Bleu pizza delivered for our “Mother’s Day Picnic” as she was telling everyone there! So her spirits are good and she can talk ok, but her 88-year old body is ravaged from the pain and she sits in a wheelchair during the day. But I know she is well cared for and she is comfortable, and that’s the best I can hope for now.
I thought you’d enjoy seeing a glimpse of Mom’s wonderful life. She was a vibrant woman who enjoyed life and lived comfortably but frugally, having been born during the depression. She grew up in Iowa with 2 sisters and a brother. This is the earliest picture I have of Mom. I know where I get my love for cats!
This picture is mom as a little girl with her older sister and brother. Aunt Helen is on the left and Uncle Eddie is on the right. My grandparents are behind Mom.
I’m not sure when this was taken but I’m guessing she was in her 20′s. She was a beauty!
This is a great picture of Mom with her parents, her older brother and sister Eddie and Helen, and baby sister on the far right, Ferne.
OK I have to show this one. I always loved it! It’s at Mom and Dad’s wedding! How cute are they?!
This is another picture I just love! This is my older sister Sandie, Mom, Dad, me and Dad’s drums on the left behind Sandie. My folks were musicians and we had a parade of people in and out of our house when I was growing up playing jam sessions with them. It was pretty awesome. There were drums, guitars, organs, and all kinds of percussion, string and wind instruments around our house.
Here’s a picture of her with band leader Ralph Marterie in 1954. Sexy lady for sure!
Mom quit school during WWII and worked the factories like many other women of her generation. She returned to high school night classes and graduated with her diploma from the same high school I did 10 years after I graduated. I am so proud of her for this accomplishment!
Mom, my sister Sandie, and me at Sandie’s son’s wedding in 1986.
Mom, Sandie, Sandie’s son Scott and Scott’s son, Michael in 1988. Four generations!
Celebrating Mom’s birthday 2003.
Mom, Joe and me at our wedding.
Mother’s Day 2006.
Last year at assisted living with Mom and ShaSha.
Mom living with us and “working” (playing games) on the computer. She’s really concentrating! LOL
And doing “slave labor” at our house!
Pooped out after a long day. Her ShaSha on the left and Friday cuddled on her lap!
At Ulta! We used to go there every couple of months for facials and hair cuts!
Mom the day after her stroke, smiling for the camera (I wanted my sis and bil to see she was ok).
After moving to the nursing home and having ShaSha visit her for the first time.
My friend Lisa’s husband lives at the same nursing home Mom is at. She sometimes brings their dog to visit. Handsome is a HUGE Great Dane saying HI to Mom!
Last week ShaSha and me visiting again.
And a little video at the Mother’s Day Happy Hour on Friday!
Mom shares a room with a sweet lady named Alice. Mom’s name is Bea. They’ve already declared themselves A&B to everybody! They sit at the same table in the dining room and you’d better not split them up! It’s a relief to see Mom is getting along better. I’ve been a wreck trying to make sure she is cared for. I think things will be ok. Thank you for letting me share my memories of Mom with you.
Happy Mother’s Day to everyone, whether you have real babies or fur babies or both!
XO Jody
And here are the group’s Water Marbles!
