1920 ~ Mary “Ibbith” holding her baby doll, getting ready to take it for a ride in the baby buggy.
2012 ~ Mary Elizabeth and her daughter (me) holding the Flat Stanley project of her great-granddaughter, Grace.
2013 ~ Mom rides in her own “buggy” with me pushing so we can go feed the ducks.
2014 ~ Mom with me, celebrating her 96th birthday with candles and Boston Cream Pie.
Several years into her dementia, my mother went through a stage when her most frequent question was, “What day is this?” I would answer, saying the day of the week, the date and even the time. She would nod. Then, over and over, she would repeat the question. I would tell her again, and then again, and sometimes I’d finally conclude by reminding her of one of my favorite questions and responses from A.A. Milne’s book, WINNIE-THE-POOH:
“What day is it?” asked Pooh. ~ “It’s today,” squeaked Piglet. ~ “Oh, my favorite day!” said Pooh. I would try to imitate Pooh and Piglet, and we would laugh. Usually it would break the cycle, and we’d go on to other things.
At 96, Mom’s sense of “today” now often goes back to growing up on the farm, or days working with Dad to build the business, or maybe memories of mothering two growing children. For Mom, Tempus Fugit means Time Flies…but in reverse, going back in time.
Last week I drove to Ft. Scott to celebrate an early 96th birthday with Mom. During my days and nights in the apartment with her, I was reminded again that she is blessed with excellent caregivers who are trained, caring, patient and kind. When Mom blew out the candles on her Boston Cream birthday “cake” (soft and easy to chew), I was very glad Tammy was on duty to join me in oohing and aahing as we opened presents and read cards that Mom never quite realized were hers.
Dr. Seuss wrote, “Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” To celebrate the valuable moments during the previous years that have flown by, this post includes pictures of my mom as a toddler clutching her baby doll, followed by 3 pictures from my many months of visits as we celebrate each day as our favorite day.
Tempus fugit, so Carpe diem. Time flies, so seize the day. That’s the lesson.
Thank you, Tammy, for all the special care you give to my mom. You’re a good friend to both of us.
Things I Want To Tell My Mother 