Heartwarming

Heartwarming Sight
Marie didn’t feel well during last night. She didn’t feel like going down to the dining room, with me, for breakfast. So, when the CNA came in this morning, to help her get dressed, Marie declined her offer. The nurse authorized her having breakfast in the room. When I finished eating breakfast, I ordered pancakes and bacon, fresh fruit and milk, and brought it up to her.
She was still in her pajamas at noon, and didn’t feel like getting dressed for lunch. So, I brought back a grilled -cheese sandwich for her. Our youngest daughter Sue, brought back our laundry (which she does for us) just before dinner. Marie was glad to see her, and perked up a bit. Sue asked her if she could help her get dressed for dinner. Marie agreed, and Sue helped her dress.
It was very inspiring for me, to see Sue returning the love to her Mother, that she had received, over 45 years ago! My thoughts flashed back to that period when Marie would supervise, or help, Anne, Mary, Beth, Joan and Sue get dressed for church, or for school. It was no small task when you throw in the hair brushing and rubber bands! Yet, I don’t ever remember being late to Mass, or seeing a “Tardy” mark on their report cards.
Role reversal is a very interesting phenomenon. I only wish that I had a son to help me dress when the need comes. After Sue was born, I mentioned to Marie that I would like to have a son - knowing that she had the same desire. But, calling on her superior intellect, she said “No more. If you want a son, adopt one.” I either never got around to do this, or gave it up as not a good idea. An example of unfinished business!
When I was young, I should have realized what would lie ahead. My Mom and Dad earned “Sainthood” recognition, for all of the tender-loving care they provided in our home. They were caretakers for my Grandmother Flood, and her sister Aunt Nellie. (They both died in our home.) They also boarded my sister Jeanne, and her daughter Rae, for a couple of years, while Jeanne’s husband Bob was stationed in Italy. They cared for my brother Bob in their home, after he was released from a lengthy stay at St. Josephs Hospital in Ann Arbor. He had been critically injured in an auto accident.
I pray that my parents have passed their TLC genes on to me.
RCL 2/12/09.