Keep Our Minds Intact

 

Today is my mother’s ninety-sixth birthday and she keeps moving on with a mind that is still intact. Unlike many her age she is able to remember things pretty well even go back to her childhood growing up in the Depression and what she did during World War 2. She is an inspiration for everyone that knows her. Whenever anyone meets her they are surprised that she is ninety-six now. She does walk with a cane but moves pretty good for someone her age. Late last year and early this year she fell because of her balance. She had to go into emergency for some stitches but came out as a real trooper. She is able to walk steady though slow after being sure that she has her balance. She wants to be sure not to fall again. We would all be lucky to be where she is at in life. Don’t know how much longer she will be around because of her age but it is a privilege to see her and take care of her each day. When someone ask her how she is doing she usually says that I woke up this morning so I know it is a good day.

Reasons that her mind is still intact is that she plays bridge at least twice a week, does crossword puzzles, still reads and watches some television. Also helps that she has a good social life more than most of any age. She has sayings for most every occasion that you can think of. She has picked them up over the years. Many of them are small poems from long time ago and they are funny. She doesn’t talk a lot except when she is in groups she feels real comfortable in. For instance I take her to a breakfast group on Friday mornings. It is a group she used to play water volleyball with at the YMCA. She no longer can play but she enjoys their company. She will let them know to if she is in conversation and she gets ignored. She will speak up louder and repeat what she is saying. On the other hand when she has her hair done neither her or the hairdresser will say a word to each other until they are finished. I find it really amusing. She says that they have nothing to say to each other.

Although it is not always easy to be my mother’s care giver I enjoy it most of the time. She is not demanding and always says thank you. I think it is so nice that she says thank you especially when more people around her age are somewhat bitter in their speaking.

So now I say right here “Happy Birthday Mom”. It is real good that she is still around with her mind intact. I hope to be so blessed in the future.