Tuesday, May 13, 2008

1964

Mom did custom seamstress work at home for many years when we lived in California. I think she made this outfit for herself. She made the prettiest things for us all! She made my wedding dress when the time came.

Probably taken on Easter or some such event back in 1964, here's Mom at 37.

Full of energy and seldom still, I'm the smiling child on the left in the photo. Mom tells me I was always the one with 'the sparkling eyes', 'full of mischief'. Some things don't change, I guess, though I'd not be opposed to having half that energy back.

Looking back is filling in some of the gaps for me. While I don't enjoy the stress of these crazy days, I am enjoying the process of intense personal inwardness and refreshing reconnection with my family. It's been awhile. And it's good.

Mom's still hanging in there. My son, Ben, is down taking care of my folks for a few days. He and Dad have taken some crossword puzzles to Mom. She feels like doing them! Progress! Ben said she even cracked a few jokes - oh boy, tears are stinging as I write for this is good news - and that she's smiling and making longer sentences. She resists the physical therapy and that is bad. Ben is talking with the terrific staff and will give me a report later tonight. He and Dad are keeping the ball rolling, explaining to Mom as we all have that she can't go home until she can get up and move around. I'll keep you posted. I know many of you are coming to this blog for "Carolyn Updates". Thanks for your prayers and kindness!

10 comments:

Wandering Coyote said...

What a great photo. You all look so relaxed and happy...Naturally happy.

My mom made a lot of clothes for us growing up, especially me. I was not the least bit happy about it as I grew older though. Some of the dresses were hideous. Looks like your mom at least had a sense of style!

So happy to hear there is improvement going on...

Cherie said...

Thanks, WC.

Yeah, Mom always has had a sense of style. I know what you mean about hating the homemade stuff. Most of the items Mom made were fine by me, but occasionally I'd get a bad fit, a scratchy fabric, or just a style that I didn't like. Mostly though, it was all good.

SandyCarlson said...

What a beautiful recollection. You are in my prayers. God bless.

Gardenia said...

Wow, good news! Physical therapy is hard because it HURTS - and again, I'm thinking probably her energy is so drained from the battle she finds it hard to cooperate. But it sounds like, step by step, she's coming back!

Momentary Madness said...

Happy looking family.
I hope, and wish ye all the best.

tshsmom said...

Yup, I've been stopping by for updates, even when I don't have time to comment. That's great news that your Mom is starting to take an interest in life again!

You're ALL in my prayers...several times a day! I pray that you'll all have the energy, and patience, to see your parents through this ordeal.

cecily said...

Cherie, thankyou for the update and thanks for the beautiful picture! Still thinking of you and praying for you!

Cherie said...

Thanks, Sandy C. Appreciate it. You're so sweet!

Gardenia, yeah boy does it ever hurt! And yes, her energy is drained. She sat in a chair for 30 minutes today and you'd have thought she'd just run a marathon. Poor thing - her back hurts so much from just lying there for two weeks. Long row to hoe.

Sean - I wish ye the best too, buddy. As always, thanks.

Tshs: It's great to know you are praying so often and thinking of us, too. Thanks so much! And yes, it's great news that she's making progress however slow. Hare and tortoise style, she'll make it slow and steady.

Cecily, you are most welcome and thanks for your prayers from Down Under! Grateful. Hey, Cec, it's supposed to get up to the mid 90's F. (35 C.) day after tomorrow. Wowie. It's been only hitting about 23 C. or so. We are going to die! ;D

Anonymous said...

Cherie, it's hard work to get better. Here's hoping her resistance gets boring and she decides it's better to fight.

Cherie said...

Hard work is right, Sandy. I like the way you put it, 'hoping her resistance gets boring and she decides it's better to fight." That would be terrific.

Yesterday they got her into a chair for half an hour. That was a BIG deal and she hated every minute of it. She watched the clock and whenever anyone entered the room she told them she needed to get back into bed. Each person found a reason to stall and she ended up lasting the full 30 minutes. Boy was she crabby afterwords!! She was snapping at Dad telling him to "Stop talking!" He's so patient and understanding. Ben had a really good time with his grandpa and had some helpful ideas, too.

It's hard to watch Mom suffer so, but relieving to know she is doing the work whether she likes it or not. Each time should give her more oomph for next time - I hope.