Life is pretty simple for Mom these days. After I get her out of bed, and dressed, we wash up and brush our teeth. Then it is breakfast time. I remore cocoaally believe that her Cheerios and her hot cocoa are the best part of her day. That’s why I love to give her the cocoa. I like to hear her say, “yummy, yummy. I like to see her linger with the cup by her chin and obviously savor the moment. There is so little that engages her anymore.
This morning I put I Love Lucy on for her. A year ago mom would have giggled and laughed at some of the slapstick antics of Lucy and Ethel. Today, I don’t know if she even remembers what she is watching. Ancient reruns of Let’s Make a Deal are just as mysterious as the episodes of Lucy.
I took a picture of her and her cocoa this morning. I want to be able to remember the times when she is comfortable and content. I want to have images of the moments that she finds some distraction and comfort. Even more than stealing her memories, the Alzheimer’s loots and pillages Mom’s fleeting moments of pleasure and peace. I want to be able to remember that her days were not all confusion and melancholy. There are moments that can make her smile.
Peace, rjb