It’s been 7 years since the day my sister and I sat in the Dr’s office with our Mom and got her official diagnosis:
Dementia.
As the days and years progress, she fades further and further away from the vibrant, talkative, lullaby-singing woman she used to be.
I fully understand that her address here on earth will probably soon be changed to the golden streets of Heaven.
Although I’ve already cried a boat load of tears during these years of the long good-bye, the truth is, I miss her terribly.
The ache of loss is most severe during hard days of struggle. You know, those times that your heart is breaking and you feel so alone. On those days, I want to pick up the phone and have my Mom again. She had a way of helping me process difficult situations with calmness, clarity, and wisdom…and intersperse it all generously with a heap of laughter.
I miss her on my sad days.
But, the other day? The other day was a whole new experience for me.
It was a very happy day.
It was a day full of anticipation and waiting and wondering and preparing ourselves for anything.
It was a day full of paperwork and signatures and phone calls and texts.
And then…we got the call.
As I squealed and danced a little jig and high-fived and hugged, all the sudden, I looked at my husband and said,
“Oh, I want to call my mom! She would be so happy with us!”
For those few minutes, I forgot.
I forgot the reality of her health today and remembered the person who used to answer the phone so far away…
So, today, just for now, can you play a little game for me?
Will you pretend you’re my mom?
Your phone is about to ring, and I’ll be on the other end.
Ok? Ready?
Ring…ring…
After the initial greetings, she’d probably ask this simple little question, as she’d already know all the prior details:
“Well..???”
And I’d answer with a squeal and laugh and say…
We secured the house!
We would share laughter and stories, often interrupting each other, and she would want to hear the complete account.
I would relay how we reduced our choices to three and submitted a bid on our absolute favorite property.
I would mention that the listing had only been available for 2 days.
We acted quickly and submitted our offer immediately...
however, a competing offer existed...
leading to a multiple offers situation...
I was fully ready for the deal to not proceed...
but it did not!
While en route to the lovely mountain top wedding I mentioned on Monday, the text we had been hoping for arrived...
“Your offer has been accepted. The contract is finalized.”
I would also reassure her that I recognize that a cancellation is still possible until the subjects are lifted in approximately 2 weeks.
Nevertheless, right now, I am joyfully celebrating, arranging furniture ideas, and allowing myself to truly embrace the charming little townhouse that should become ours in just 2 months.
And eventually, she would remark,
“I have been praying for God to resolve all the details, and He certainly is!”
Indeed. Yes, He is!
***
As I considered this brief imagined chat with my mother, I also smiled at a different scenario that might have happened if she were still well.
She would likely visit an airline website and purchase tickets to assist with the move.
Since you are excellent at role-playing my mother, please omit that part...
I am uncertain how I would react if you all appeared at my door with moving boxes!!;)
P.S. The post regarding Mom singing with us remains one of my most cherished recollections…
P.P.S. If you are unfamiliar with our house search adventure, here is how it began:
