Friday, June 27, 2008

BUSY FRIDAY

It has been another emotional week. We have been going through mom's things so our youngest sister will have room in her new one bedroom apartment. It's been draining to say the least. We've come across so many items that hold special memories for us: the little red wooden birds that mom had hanging over the dining room archway when we were growing up, small date books that she used as a kind of journal or diary, the beautiful glassware she had received as a wedding gift, jewelry daddy had given her on special occasions, and so much more. And of course we had to stop what we were working on to talk about each item, making a long hard job much longer and harder.

But the end is in sight. Boxes of books are packed, fragile glassware is wrapped and lovingly placed in sturdy cartons, clothes are folded in large plastic tubs, still on the hanger and waiting to be rehung in their new closet, and newspaper and magazine subscriptions have been changed or cancelled.

Of course we've also visited mom, and this naturally intensifies the already emotional project. Mom is always so happy to see us, but it's hard to visit for long as she tires so easily. She has had many visitors and is receiving cards from friends unable to travel to see her. Several people have brought her small bouquets of flowers so her room is quite cheery. We have hung a small bird feeder right outside her window, and she is treated to many hours of our pretty little feathered friends showing off their bright yellow or red or rust colored clothing.

I'm off off to pick up Lois and head to the nursing home to say hi to mom. Then we're going to the new apartment where we hope to find that the painters have finished their job and we can begin to put things in the cupboards and empty some of the boxes we have already hauled over there. We will have a busy day. And it's going to rain.

6 comments:

Memaw's memories said...

Don't be sad. Be happy that you and your sisters are available to help your mom with this next stage of her life. What if she didn't have anyone to do all these things for her? Can you imagine the loneliness she would feel? And you have the sparkle in her eyes as she greets you even if you can only have short visits.

You are my hero for being such a good and faithful daughter.

Lisa said...

I agree with Memaw, you are such a good family and loving too. You are right up there as one of my heros as well. I am glad you are able to go through things with your family and share your memories.

Our storm is coming in right now. But that's ok, we need the rain right here before the 4th of July so I don't catch the place on fire.

Linda B said...

Amazing the strength God gives you when you need it, isn't it? It is a blessing your mom has you kids to do this for her. She and your daddy did such a wonderful job raising all of you, didn't she! I hope you take care of yourself too. I know that you already know you can't do what you want to do if you aren't rested and taking those mental health breaks. Don't forget that!

Robbin said...

Hi Marge,
Just stopping in to say I've been thinking of you and the job you've had to take on this week and I can just picture it just like you told it, finding something that sparks a memory and having to talk about it, sometimes with laughter, sometimes with tears, bittersweet. My heart goes out to you and know you are in my thoughts as well as your sweet Mama. The bird feeder was a great idea and I know it brings her so much pleasure. I did a lot of bird watching when I was healing from my surgery.
As you and your family honor your mother during these days it is such a gift to her, your love and caretaking just shows what kind of mother she is to have raised such a loving and caring family. I can just feel how special she is, and your love for her just overflows in your writings. Take care of Marge too, I hope you have a peaceful weekend and get to have sometime for yourself.

Lisa said...

Again, just checking, I know you are busy, but just wanted to tell you I am thinking of you today. And sending a warm hug to you.

Marge said...

Oh my. Such wonderful friends you all are, and such loving words you have all said to me! I cherish each one of your messages and thank you for them.

We had a very interesting weekend, and I will blog about it. You may not hear from me right away though as our internet signal is playing games with us. It goes on and off, mostly off. It seems strong right now so I'll give it a try.

And again, thank you all so much. I love you all!