When I arrived at my parents home today I found mom as alert and talkative as she’s been in two years. She sat up tall in her chair and engaged in our conversation, asking questions, taking interest in what dad and I were talking about and commenting on every subject. My heart skipped a beat – my mother of old was in the room!
Yes, she resembled the mother I remember, and yes, I could pretend for a moment that all was right with the world again – that is until she began asking me repeatedly if I’d been by there earlier today. ”No, mom, I’ve been at work.” ”Oh, your dad told me you and Peanut (her nickname for my granddaughter) had come by. I told him I hadn’t seen you,” was her response. I guess it was her way of covering up the hallucinations she often has. But, it’s okay, she was aware enough to know that something wasn’t quite right and that’s huge!
I’m not naive enough to think that this dementia thing is gone, but I’m going to enjoy having mom back for was long as I can. I’ve missed you mom.
Live in the moment, enjoy the gift!
This post reminded me of my own posting of “Good Days and Bad Days.” When mom declined even further and became more of an empty shell how I longed for the bad days, because at least there was some sort of communication and spark. I happy to say that we are now in a good place and she is happy, laughing, and trying to hold some kind of conversations. We are living in the moment.
I wish you both well. May she stay in that good place for a very long time. By yesterday mom had declined again. We could not wake her, even with my granddaughter there. But that one day gave me hope of more good days to come.
This post is beautiful, and keep enjoying those moments when all seems as it once was.