Dear Sisters,
My sweet mom recently had a hip replacement surgery and I’ve been ” on duty ” ever since doing my best to get her back on her feet and feeling like her ( I’m not gonna say old self cuz we don’t want that ) NEW self again! Do any of you suffer from arthritis? Gosh, I hope not. I’ve watched my sweet moms’ life come to nearly a complete stop due to one of her hips being riddled with it. I’m happy to say, she mustered up the courage to have it replaced a couple of weeks ago and we’re hoping she’ll be good as almost new in a couple of months.
In the meantime, I’m spoiling her WELL with daily doses of farmgirl fare in the way of good cheer, fresh flowers from my garden and nutritious food to keep her spirits light and her body nourished with all good juju so she can have the best of recoveries… After all, I need her well so we can get back to being creative together again!
Your words brought smiles (the matching pj party) and tears (the waiting room story), because I can identify with both. My mother needed help for the last year of her life, but thanks to two of my sisters who lived close to her, she was able to stay at home. I lived 3 1/2 hours away and still worked full time, but I was able to go every other weekend to spend time with my mother and give them time to catch up at their own homes. I treasure the memories of those times we had together. Some of our best talks were in the middle of the night when she couldn’t sleep. I wish your mother a full recovery and good memories, for you both, of this time you have together.
Rebecca,
I’m so happy you were able to spend that time with your mom in her last year. I know you will hold them close to your heart forever. Thanks for reading! xo Deb
Sounds like a terrific bonding experience. My only recommendation is to write down the memories your mother has about you, your family and her experiences. We did this when my grandmother was ailing (she raised me until I was 7). I’m now the eldest on my mother’s side of the family and have a treasury of memories to share about her, her mother, her daughter and her grandchildren. Maybe keep the special writing in a pretty journal or two?
What a great idea Adrienne! My mom is actually putting together a photo album for me. She started it a while back but had to stop working on it because she was in so much pain. It will be fun to pick it up again with her now! Thanks for reading! xo Deb
Such a sweet post. I know your Mother is so blessed to have you as you are to have her. She has, well you all have been in my prayers. I hope the healing is fast and I know you are having the best of times being together even in sickness we need to be together and you are. Love you
Thank you dear Dolly. My mom is getting stronger each day and it’s such a blessing to see the spark in her eyes again! We have been having some good laughs too! Love you too! Deb
What a wonderful post. You are truly a caring daughter and I smiled as I read your post (especially matching pj’s). I too have had the experience of caring for my mom after surgeries. Last weekend however, we had the opportunity to do something great while she was feeling well. We send mom and dad out of town for 4 days for the 55th and remodeled their bathroom and painted their bedroom. They loved it and they look rejuvenated! It is a blessing to care for our parents even when it conflicts with other things that we deem important. I love your Zig Ziglar comment. Yep, we need to be present in caring for our parents and actually in everything we are engaged in. Thanks for such a moving post!
What a wonderful post. I too have cared for my mom after surgeries. I love your reference to Zig Ziglar. It is a great lesson in all that we do to be present. You are clearly a very loving daughter and you could sense the wonderful relationship you have with your mom in your post (especially when you mentioned the matching pj’s).
Hi Debbie! We daughters have to be there for our moms don’t we? It’s not always easy to balance everything, but during times of illness some things just have to be put on hold or delegated! Thanks so much for reading! xo Deb
Very touching, thanks, Deb. Your impulse to offer support to the crying woman was very loving. I live with my 92 year old mom who is very independent and still drives (staying close to home in our small town) So in that I am blessed. She has had 2 hip surgeries and I have sisters and brothers to help too. Enjoy those special moments!
You are a lucky family to still have your mother with you and your brothers and sisters nearby! Sweet memories you are making for sure! xo Deb
Dear Deb, Hoping your momma is doing well with her new hip. My momma has had RHM arthritis almost her whole life. She’s had both knees replaced and many many other bones are affected. It is hard to watch someone you care about live in pain. Your momma is fortunate to have a loving daughter watching over her and bring so much light and TLC into her healing process. You Go Girl.
Dear Shery, Boy, you aren’t kidding. It’s heart breaking to watch someone you love living with chronic every day. I’m sorry to hear your momma has to live with the RHM arthritis. She must be a tough cookie in many ways, just like my mom has had to be. We are hoping for some lighter days ahead and sending healing wishes to your mom too! xo Deb
I enjoyed reading how you are taking care of your mother. Through you she is able to receive the tender physical care she needs as well as the encouragement to keep on going on, to look forward to the day when the doctor says, "you’re all better." It’s so nice to see a daughter taking care of Mom when she needs it. After all, Mom was there for you when you needed it. My mom is gone but I can honestly say, it was nice to be able to take care of her when she needed it.
Hi Marge! It’s a good feeling to see the results of what good caregiving can do for someone you love isn’t it? I’m happy you had time with your mom too when she needed you. Thanks so much for your note! xo Deb
Deb, prayers for a full speedy pain free recovery being sent your mom’s way. Thank you Deb for being a loving daughter to your mom. I know I could take some lessons in that dept. You have inspired me to do better. Love ya and be Blessed! Neta 🙂
Hi there Neta! So great to hear from you! I wish you and your mom more happy times together! Grab them while the get’n’ good! Love and hugs! Deb
You are such a good daughter, Deb, to take such good care of you mom! I have tears reading this and my hats off to ya! It’s truly a blessing to take care of our parents and to give a little back to them of what they gave us. My son sure learned what that is all about when at college age he took care of his grandmother just out of surgery – he slept next to her so he could hear when she needed to get up (every hour) and got her into the bathroom -bless his heart!! He even learned to cook her favorite meals with her coaching him from the kitchen table. He will never forget it and neither will I. I have now put a note in my brain and heart to spend more time with my mom, who is healthy, but not too close by. I want a PJ party with my mom, too! So cute! Thanks for sharing, Deb!
Hugs,
Jo
Awe, I just love your note Jo! Your son sounds like a sweetheart…Have fun at your PJ party with your momma!!! xoxo Deb
Deb, you are a wonderful daughter. I wish I had gotten to help my Mom like that. She left us way too soon, but you are a lucky daughter to have this opportunity to show your love and tlc to your dear Mom! Sweetness to you and quick recovery wishes to your Mom! Hugs, Lydia
Well, thank you Lydia! I’m sorry to hear your mom left you so soon. 🙁 I’m sure a day doesn’t go by that you remember something sweet about her. 🙂 I’ll send along your good wishes to my mom! Thanks so much for reading…xo Deb
Deb, what a sweet posting and lovely words to remember. And I do remember when it was my turn to see to my Mother – it started when I was 10 and the Lord called her home when I was 12 and she was 38 but I will never forget the time we had together and never regret doing for her as I did, yes I missed out on ‘girlfriend time’ but I am happy I did not miss out on Mother time. So happy your Mom is doing well and I will keep y’all in my prayers. Again thank you for your Farm Beach girl love.
Dear Joan, I’m so sorry your mom was called home at such a young age. I have no doubt you gave her all your young soul had to give while she was here! I’m happy you didn’t miss out on " mom time " too. She left you with warm memories and her love…Thank you for your sweet note Joan. xo Deb