Inspiration

Sweet pink memories of mom

Eleven years ago today, I was sitting by her side in the hospital, holding her hand, watching her resting comfortably.

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I had just met with the neurosurgeon who told me the causes behind her confusion.  I didn’t know how to break the news to her, nor did I know if she would even remember.

A stroke.

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She had a stroke.  The day before they had told me it was the acute renal failure.  Now this, a stroke.  So began our journey with vascular dementia.

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Four and 1/2 years later, I held her hand again as I said tender goodbyes.  I watched her resting comfortably as she took her last breath and passed away.  Free and at peace at last from the journey of dementia.

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No matter how tough it was, each moment I hope to never forget.

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I received a gift basket of perennials flowers at her funeral.  I planted them that year.

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Each year when these flowers reappear, I smile and think of Mom.  She loved to see the pops of colors.  Especially the wide variety of pinks.

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She’d laugh with me if I had the chance today to tell her I tried to get daisies to grow – they were the only ones that didn’t bloom this year.

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Aw, Mom, I’m sorry that my bouquet didn’t have daisies, you loved them so.

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I can just hear her reply, “Don’t worry dear, there is always next year…next year…my dear.”

Post Inspiration – Sunday Stills – Pink.

PS – What pink flower is your favorite?  Is it normal for the daisies to not bloom the first year?  

 

 

 

 

28 thoughts on “Sweet pink memories of mom

    1. Thank you, Janet. Aw, that’s wonderful your mom is 95!! Enjoy every smiling moment you get with her, I’m sure she loves seeing your smile. Hugs to you too!

  1. I do know there are some flowers that grow the first year not blooming until the second year but I don’t know if daisies are one. Its wonderful you have such lovely ways to remember mom. Cherish those time til you meet again.

    1. Thank you, Anita, I shall do so. Daisies next spring sound like something fun to look forward to, so I’m good with that.

  2. Shelley, this post with your exquisite images and beautiful words about your dear mother just broke my heart! You are very talented, my friend, behind that camera! I’m touched you could be with your mom when she entered into eternity and how wonderful to have the legacy of the flowers. Beautiful! And hugs to you for sharing this with Sunday Stills!

  3. Hi Shelley, what a touching story… I lost my mum this year to Vascular Dementia. She had numerous TIA’s but the dementia was the worst thing I have ever witnessed. Her confusion, her lack of recognition at times as she looked at me. She was 92 .. as much as I love her… I was glad when the angels came.. because dementia is one of the worst things someone has to go through. She would ask why her parents didn’t visit her. She would ask why her sister’s didn’t go. She completely lost the last 50 years of her life.. she was back in the 40’s and 50’s. And would be so upset that those who were close to her never visited her.

    My mum and dad were so close, it broke my heart to see her forget about him.

    Dementia sucks. What a beautiful tribute to your mum. Take care xx

    1. Aw, I’m so sorry you and your family had to experience the Vascular Dementia trials and to lose your mom to it. I know how you feel, my heart goes out to you too. Yes, it is very difficult for the family. My mom went through much of the same thing as your mom did, she passed at 70 years of age, I can’t imagine her living with it for an additional 20 years. Your love for your mom and dad is beautiful, I wish you continued healing from the losses you experienced. Thank you for sharing your heart-tugging story. I know from experience, the pain fades over time, not easily, but as you said, it is easier to say goodbye when the struggles are so challenging like they are with dementia. Take care, xx

        1. Aw, yes, it is very much like that. My doctor told me that dementia is one of the longest goodbyes, she’s right. Cyber-hugs to you, xx!

  4. My mom’s story was similar to your mom’s. She had a stroke, which caused dementia. She lived 3 years after that, and those years were her unhappiest. Purple was her color.

    1. Yes, my mom’s last years weren’t her favorite years, that’s for sure. Vascular dementia is one we can prevent, but once it takes hold, there’s no stopping the outcome. You’re doing the right things to avoid it, keep up the exercise and keep that giving heart a pumping! xx

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