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Open Poetry #49
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Lori Grosser Rhoden
Member Patricius
since 2009-10-10
Posts 10202
Fair to middlin' of nowhere

0 posted 2015-01-24 06:14 PM



She reclines in sleep
waking unaware
and unburdened by
what day of the week
it happens to be.
Her first, last and only thought
is for the whereabouts of her Bill.
What little lingers
of her memory
comforts her
with remembering,
when reminded,
that he is playing golf
or has gone to the store.
All then is right
in her peaceful world
of gentle smiling people.
Lori Grosser Rhoden © 1/24/15

Dedicated to my Mother and the gentle people at Eaglegcrest  who took such good care of her and helped make her transition into skilled nursing care go so smoothly.

© Copyright 2015 Lori Grosser Rhoden - All Rights Reserved
JerryPat2
Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975
South Louisiana
1 posted 2015-01-24 06:21 PM


Beautiful.

~*~ When they give you ruled paper write sideways. ~*~

Lori Grosser Rhoden
Member Patricius
since 2009-10-10
Posts 10202
Fair to middlin' of nowhere
2 posted 2015-01-24 06:29 PM


Thank you!
JamesMichael
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336
Kapolei, Hawaii, USA
3 posted 2015-01-24 06:59 PM


enjoyed...james
Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666
California
4 posted 2015-01-24 10:11 PM


A touching piece.  Your warmth, love, and concern for her shine through.

Michael

OwlSA
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa
5 posted 2015-01-25 06:31 AM


This brave write about a brave woman has me in tears, Lori.  

Owl

Lori Grosser Rhoden
Member Patricius
since 2009-10-10
Posts 10202
Fair to middlin' of nowhere
6 posted 2015-01-25 08:34 AM


Thanks James, always good to hear from you. ~L
Lori Grosser Rhoden
Member Patricius
since 2009-10-10
Posts 10202
Fair to middlin' of nowhere
7 posted 2015-01-25 08:46 AM


Michael,
I have found myself telling others, when they make it sound like I've been doing extra special things for my parents, that I'm only doing what comes natural. I'm doing for them as they have done for me and I have seen them do for others. The "burden" truly has been a blessing of time with them and giving back.  I would not change a thing. Even my Mother's dementia has been kind to her and her health is still fairly good. Her days pass peacefully and routinely revolving around my Dad as they have for 60 yrs. ~L

Lori Grosser Rhoden
Member Patricius
since 2009-10-10
Posts 10202
Fair to middlin' of nowhere
8 posted 2015-01-25 09:01 AM


Owl
Dry your tears. The abundance of love and blessings surrounding my Mom during this time far out weigh the down sides. Dad told me that last night when he went to kiss her good night she had a big smile on her face. (they had only been sleeping in separate beds for 5 days) Come to find out she had taken the soft cuddly stuffed dog I had put on her night stand and was hugging it to her chest. She slept that way all night. Not only did it comfort her but it comforted us to know that she would have something else to help her tomorrow when she makes the move to skilled nursing care and she and Dad will no loner share a room. ~L

jwesley
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-04-30
Posts 7563
Spring, Texas
9 posted 2015-01-25 09:21 PM


Yeah, think my mother really enjoyed her last year living in an assisted care environment among others of her age and abilities. I think her last hurray was a pleasant one in a number of ways.

Good piece...

j.

Lori Grosser Rhoden
Member Patricius
since 2009-10-10
Posts 10202
Fair to middlin' of nowhere
10 posted 2015-01-26 06:28 AM


Thank you for understanding. I have a huge emotional stake in making sure her new room is set up from her perspective. I am more interested in her being able to sit and see my dad than sit and see the TV, because that is HER priority. I want to put pictures of people (Dad and us kids)and places she can still remember and things she is used to looking at from the apartment. I don't want her to just have a pretty room I want her to have a room that FEELS good. Today is the big moving day and I am praying I can get my dad to buy in to my vision.  ~L
nakdthoughts
Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200
Between the Lines
11 posted 2015-01-26 08:25 AM


Not only did I enjoy your poetry, but your  loving responses to others...

My Mother is  almost 91...and I worry about the future and all the "what ifs" that accompany it.


M

Redstart
Senior Member
since 2014-05-16
Posts 535

12 posted 2015-01-26 09:12 AM


Delicately written and extremely touching.
jwesley
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-04-30
Posts 7563
Spring, Texas
13 posted 2015-01-26 10:07 AM


Yes, it's important to remember the room should reflect HER perspective,generation and loves, not yours, which though lived through/with, is a totally different (hers) generational view and though seemingly outdated to you, is HER life, memories and experiences.

Sounds like you have the RIGHT idea well in hand.  Applause to you.

Jimmy

Marchmadness
Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271
So. El Monte, California
14 posted 2015-02-02 12:10 PM


A very special piece, Lori. Bless you and your parents.
                       Ida

OwlSA
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa
15 posted 2015-02-07 01:06 PM


Sorry, Lori, but your reply to me and your following ones, have the tears flowing like a waterfall again, at the beautiful relationship you and your Mom and Dad have.  Forgive me, because I know it must be hard, despite what you say, but I am so happy for you that you have that, and very gently envious.  I am SO glad she has you as a daughter, and your Dad as a husband.

Owl

Lori Grosser Rhoden
Member Patricius
since 2009-10-10
Posts 10202
Fair to middlin' of nowhere
16 posted 2015-02-07 03:51 PM


God works in mysterious ways! The skilled nursing setting has been great for her. She is getting a lot of stimulation she wasn't getting hanging out snoozing with Dad as he watched TV. This is the most alert she has been in some time.  An important lesson I learned was that having someone's best interests at heart doesn't always mean you know what is best for them. Meaning well isn't always doing well. Everyone is doing fine.
Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
17 posted 2015-02-07 09:27 PM


I talked with your father yesterday. I just learned of the message via a call for other reasons. I will be visiting soon. This is a gentle, tender, loving gift, Lori. My thoughts are with you as she travels this next journey.

tracie66
Member Elite
since 2000-01-18
Posts 4713
Australia
18 posted 2015-02-07 09:42 PM


a beautiful dedication ~

Love is the life of the soul...
It is the harmony of the universe
                        — W. E. Channing

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