My husband with his mother, L, at the nursing home. She has lived there for over 5 years, completely debilitated, outliving her devoted husband, J, already by over a year and a half. People ask me, does she recognize you? I reply that she cannot acknowledge me. She can barely make eye contact (not really) and cannot make any purposeful movement. She needs total care. She rides in a reclining wheelchair and often appears in an agitated state, babbling or sobbing. In the past, it almost seemed like she was 'playing movies of her life in her mind'. Sometimes she appears to be asleep...or merely unresponsive?
Of course, she was not always this way. Very talented and energetic, she had an excellent eye for color and design. Highly motivated to always make her house beautiful, she always looked for ideas for new furniture and window treatments. Every new house was a huge adventure and opportunity for her and she eagerly planned new motifs. She could always work circles around me. She loved flowers, collectible and antiques. In mid-life, she had a successful career as an antique dealer specializing in primitives and chocolate molds. A beautiful woman, she always made sure that she looked sharp.
The second picture shows her (circa 1973) just after they purchased the Land Park house, she's touring the empty rooms, making plans, big plans.
1 comment:
I did not meet her too many times. Maybe only for your wedding. Remember her as a smart, well dressed and determined woman.
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