My Christmas visit to my mother at the aptly named Queen Anne Nursing Home held a couple of surprises this year. The Grammy's recent hospital stay has knocked some of the piss and vinegar out of her. She was a bit distracted, but actually downright agreeable.
Her first reaction to my arrival is always a review of my appearance. Recent reviews have generally been either "Paul, are you putting on weight?" or "Paul, you need to get some Just for Men hair coloring." This visit, she astounded me with "Gee, Paul, you look good."
Her physical decline was evident when I had to help her remove the wrapping from her gift; she used to tear off the paper like an eight-year-old. As I opened the box, she blurted out, "You are so nice."
Caught off-guard, I replied, "Did you ever think those words would come out of your mouth?"
"No," she said, and we both laughed.
Usually the Grammy looks for excuses to extend visits, but this time she went back to watching a 30's music singalong DVD after a brief amount of time. I told her I had other gifts to deliver, and she waved me off with an "OK, Santa, see you soon."
When I called my brother in Maryland to fill him in on the visit, he expressed concern that she might be receiving medication that is disorienting her. We're going to check into that, but on the other hand, she seemed comfortable, content, and was certainly pleasant.
Come to think of it, I'll have what she's having.
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6 comments:
The Lovely Daughter and I just read several Grammy stories out loud. You can tell her that Marissa is a true fan of hers.
I'm a fan of Grammy's too, and you can pass some of whatever she's getting this way as well.
I guess it's true....we all mellow with age.
Happy New Years~
My eyes lit up when I saw the title of this post! I love the Grammy stories. This post just endeared her to me even more. I feel like I know her!!! I'm glad your visit was so pleasant and that you got such a nice compliment.
Can't wait to read more about her.
If she was comfortable and content, I'd say that's a good thing. If she seemed disoriented, not so good. I'd say to check it out and go from there.
All my best,
Beth
Like Melissa (this is no surprise, since we've decided we were separated at birth), my eyes lit up when I saw the title of this post, and as usual, I was NOT disappointed! ;p As always, reading about Grammy was a treat. Merry Christmas & Happy 2009, Paul!
:)
Judi
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