Mom

Today my mom turns 88 years old.  How many 65-year-old people have the honor to be able to say that.  I realize that many of you reading this aren't as lucky as I am and have to visit your mom in a care home or make a stop at the cemetery to celebrate your mom's birthday.  As my mom ages I think of how wonderful it is that she is able to live in her own home, make her own decisions, be basically independent and continues to have a strong mind. I tell Mom she has to hold it together because she has seniors looking after her and that can't be good. 

One of my favorite pictures of us.  
Enjoying the Brier

My mom doesn't have perfect health and never has but she certainly is a tough ole bird.  In January of this year, fire took mom's home and all of her belongings.  We realize they are only things.  It soon became evident, the biggest thing that fire took from Mom was her way of living and her close connection with the other residents.  Mom lived in a community housing for seniors for 17 years.  She could go out the door and have a chat with other residents at any point in the day.  She was basically the Walmart Greeter if anyone new moved in or if there was an event happening in the Villa.  All of that has changed for mom and the other residents since the fire, as they now live in various homes throughout the community.  We had assumed that Mom would live in the Villa until time came for her to move into care.  But that was not meant to be. 

One of the last pictures taken at the Villa

Through the darkness comes sunshine and that for mom and I is how it has brought us closer.  We have learned the importance of phoning, texting and emailing. We are alike in that we love road trips; destination unknown is fine with us.  We are both coffee lovers and have a sweet tooth which makes for a nice stop at a coffee shop.  She shops and I watch.  Believe me we have shopped since the fire.  

Since Mom has moved to her new home, she has renewed her love of doing puzzles.  She belongs to a knitting group.  The "Knit Wits" get together every Monday to make prayer shawls for community members who have lost someone, enduring illness or needed a hug of a shawl.  This little group have given out over 800 shawls in 6 years.  Mom lives across the street from her Bestie of 80 years.  She loves to shop and when she has a shopping cart in front of her, she is gone.  Mom is an avid curling fan and follower of the Blue Jays. 

A dream come true to meet her boy "Brad"

As we age gifts get harder to buy, except for Mom who loves things. This year I bought her an experience. Last Friday we celebrated an early birthday with Johnny Reid in Estevan.  Today there is more to come, she is looking forward to celebrating at Tailgate with her Village people as I call them.  Fun with her Bestie and of course the Carley Clan will make her feel special.  Birthdays at 88 are certainly worth celebrating.

My Dad had his mom until he was 73 years old, my mom had her mom until she was 75.  Yes, both moms lived in care, but those amazing women had sound minds.  Why are some families so blessed and others not.  It seems unfair that there are gaps in the progression of families.  The death of a mom means no mom and no grandma.  Both such impactful people in our lives. 

Today, is a double blessing day for me.  My Mom and my Bestie share the same birthday.  They have a cute little relationship and enjoy celebrating the same day.  I feel really blessed to have both these women in my life.  I am hopeful that if you don't have your mom in your life, you have another woman that fills that void, even just a little bit.  I have been told so often "you are so lucky to have your Mom".  You bet I am.     

Mom is so photogenic