TGIF

I'm spending time with my mother while dad is away on a business trip.  I always enjoy these down times with mom, she is chill to the max.  We hang out, read, watch t.v., eat food, cuddle with Luz, nap.  Today is shower day so I'll be the shower master and blow dry her hair into a nice 'do.'

She likes having me around.  This is a lovely and remarkable thing because, growing up, mom and I experienced a big disconnect.  She didn't 'get me' and I didn't get her.  Time, life, and challenges have brought us together, and now I am her favorite caregiver, though she probably says that to my dad and sisters as well!

When I help her move about, I am patient, and gentle, and affirming.  I encourage and praise when she gets from point A to point B.  No small task for her with Parkinsons.  Bloody Parkinsons.  I'm vastly different from my dad in that I don't require adherence to a strict schedule.  We go along as we wish and if lunch is at 2:30, well, it's at 2:30.

And, horror of horrors, pots and pans get washed in the DISHWASHER.  They come out clean without me having to stand over a hot soapy sink for 20 minutes, then towel dry the beasts.  When my husband drove dad to the airport the other morning, I called out, "We'll be fine!  And if we're not, you'll never know about it!"  Heartened, he was not.

I am grateful for these times with my mother.  I really like her company.  She's wry and she's smart.  And she loves my little dog.  It doesn't get better than that.

Have a lovely weekend, dear friends.