Mama

My experiences while living with my mother and her Alzheimer's Disease.(her birthdate = January 2, 1925)

Wednesday, January 01, 2003

I took Mama to our church for communion on Christmas Eve. She was "so surprised" that the lady (our preacher) got up and talked. Mama got her money ready, but they did not take up an offering. Our head usher was sitting right in front of her. She grabbed him by the shoulder and asked about taking the money. He just shook his head to tell her no. Later he told me he thought she was trying to contribute to the preacher's Christmas gift. We found an offering plate, and she was happy as a clam to put her little donation there.

Christmas Day was okay except Mama didn't have a clue what was happening. She used to love Christmas. Now she doesn't remember it. But she loved seeing everyone and passing out hugs and kisses. When we exchanged gifts, she hid hers under her blanket. She didn't open any of them, just hid the wrapped boxes under that blanket. I took some away from her and opened them for her. She took those and stuffed them under the blanket, too. I have no idea why.

She takes her blanket everywhere we go. It does not matter what the temperature is; she is going to take that fleece blanket with her. She huddles under it like she is freezing to death. It makes me hot just to watch her!

Mama's sister and brother-in-law will be here tomorrow. It will be interesting to see how their visit goes.

Mama's birthday is January 2. She will be 78 this year. Hope to have a gathering on Saturday with a cake and waiters & waitresses singing and making a big deal. If you are near K-2 Restaurant in Bay City, Texas, around noon on Saturday, Jan. 4, drop by for a hug & a kiss on the cheek.

Happy New Year to All. Can't believe it is 2003!