My Precious Little Mother and Her Samsonite Suitcase

My family was fortunate. Two of 3 sisters lived close to our parents and the two of us were able to divide our time between mom and dad. I began as a long distance care provider when mom’s dementia began about 1995. She agreed to put me on her checking account so I could receive and pay her bills. We were OK for a while longer. Mom decided to move to a small condo where she could live independently and comfortably. Twice weekly the county nurse visited her. The nurse was very good about updating me on mom’s activities, her health, and her abilities. After mom started 3 fires, we knew it was time to pull the safety net closer and find a smaller, well staffed place for her to live. By this time I was living closer to my family so I could be more active in my parents’ care. Many days mom would pack her little Samsonite suitcase and leave it outside her door because she was ready to go home. Fortunately, she was easily distracted and enjoyed going for meals so we could unpack the suitcase and return it where she could find it and pack the next morning. Throughout all of this mom was pleasant and agreeable. Mom did very well within her community of care until she fell and broke her hip. She never spoke after that, but I’ll always be grateful that her blue eyes shown with some recognition when I walked into her room. I can still see her setting her Samsonite suitcase beside her door.

had good time reading your story.

it feels good to take care of our parents since they 've taken care of us for many years

Hi Dr.Lee yahnks, it's an indication of that how much you have loved your mother as after she suffered from dementia and all the bad accidents happened you did not leave your mom and also not irritated by the behavior. I appreciate your feelings towards your mom. I know that there are very few people who take care of there parents intentionally but many out of those few get irritated by the strange behaviors of their parents. Many people complaints that my mother is not able to recognize me and I am getting depressed by her behavior. Such things are a reality but not good though as if you are caring for your parents then do not leave them in middle of their typical time.   

 

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