posted on May 2, 2001 04:08:01 PM new
Why I Love MOM
Mom and Dad were watching TV when Mom said, "I'm tired, and it's getting late. I think I'll go to bed." She went to the kitchen to make sandwiches for the next day's lunches, rinsed out the popcorn bowls, took meat out of the freezer for supper the following evening, checked the cereal box levels, filled the sugar container, put spoons and bowl on the table, and started the coffee pot for brewing the next morning. She then put some wet clothes in the dryer, put a load of clothes into the wash, ironed a shirt and secured a loose button. She picked up the game pieces left on the table and put the telephone book back into the drawer. She watered the plants, emptied a wastebasket and hung up a towel to dry. She yawned and stretched and headed for the bedroom. She stopped by the desk and wrote a note to the teacher, counted out some cash for the field trip, and pulled a textbook out from hiding under the chair. She signed a birthday card for a friend, addressed and stamped the envelope and wrote a quick note for the grocery store. She put both near her purse. Mom then washed her face, put on moisturizer, brushed and flossed her teeth and trimmed her nails. Dad called out, "I thought you were going to bed." "I'm on my way," she said. She put some water into the dog's dish and called the cat in, then made sure the doors were locked. She looked in on each of the kids and turned out a bedside lamp, hung up a shirt, threw some dirty socks in the hamper, and had a brief conversation with the one still up doing homework. In her own room, she set the alarm, laid out clothing for the next day, straightened up the shoe rack. She added three things to her list of things to do for tomorrow. About that time, Dad turned off the TV and announced to no one in particular, "I'm going to bed." And he did...without another thought. Anything extraordinary here?......
posted on May 3, 2001 12:58:51 AM new
Mom and Dad were watching tv when Dad said "You're tired, it's getting late, let's go to bed!" He shooed Rosey the Poodle out to pee-pee. He went in the bedroom to turn on Mom's heating pad and lay out her nightclothes. He ran a shallow tub of warm water and put three thick clean towels handy on the pottie. He checked the thermostat, dog in, door locks, porch lights.
By the time he made it back to the living room Mom had achieved upright all by herself. She was so proud of any little thing she could still do for herself, by herself. She did grab his thick strong arm and climb him like a tree to struggle out of her recliner, though. that's ok, it's not cheating. Sometime everyone needs a little help.
Slowly they crept down the hall to their 'master suite'. He bathed her keeping a thin towel around her shoulders. She was always too cold. Casually he inspected for bruises, gently he brushed her teeth, softly and slowly he put lotion on the dry spots and on her bare scalp. They talked. Softly, comfortably. It was hard to get her out of the tub without hurting her. She knew he tried so hard to be careful. But it still hurt to be grasped. It hurt to lift a leg to get in or out. Ahh, well. Soft jammies and diapers. Time for meds, then sleep. "Did you bring Rosie in?" "yes, I did" "I used to do that." "I know, dear. You used to do everything." "I love you." And these last few years he'd learned to say back; "I love you".
In the night he always had to get up once or twice. Always she would need a change. Always she'd think a window was open, she was so cold! How he longed for a window open! But, no, after 45 years of sleeping with the window open he'd adjusted to her greater need.
One morning she didn't wake up. One morning she didn't need anything. And it was a fearful relief. She'd been ready to go for a year. She was only 67 years old. Anything extraordinary here?
posted on May 3, 2001 04:25:31 AM new
immykidsmom.....what a wondertul tribute to both your parents. I read it twice and teared up both times. I'm so sorry for the loss of your mom.
posted on May 3, 2001 07:48:36 AM newMuriel A man works from morning to set of sun, a woman's work is never done! Dad is a twit and so is Mom for letting him get away with such sloth.
posted on May 3, 2001 09:28:58 AM new
My wife is as described - constantly picking up and putting away. It is not noble - it is compulsive.
If I am preparing dinner she will come and put mixing bowls and spatulas in the dishwasher clean before I can use them. I turn around from the frig. with eggs and milk and the counter is bare.
I won't argue anymore. I just say I am not making dinner with someone fighting me and leave the kitchen for the day. It is not diligence, it is unwarranted control freak action and lack of respect for your help and ability.
posted on May 4, 2001 04:23:24 AM new
Well they could combine Mother's day and Father's day into parents day but that might raise questions about (sex) and they are hoping not to have to tell the kids about that until they are 18.
posted on May 4, 2001 06:58:08 AM newimmykidsmom Thanks for sharing that touching tribute. My mother-in-laws last year was very much like that... I could never put the emotion behind it in words as beautifully as you did.
