I used to think about what my life would be like in a nursing home. What would I do in order to still "be me?" I would make sure I had plenty of stationary and cards to mail to people who needed a boost and I would make sure to make friends with the other "inmates," as my MIL used to call them. My hope is to "age in place," and to that end I do weight resistance exercise and try to eat right, but at the end of all my trying are also all the factors (like dementia) that could thwart my best laid plan. If that happens, I hope I meet women like Rita, Carmella, and Grace.
Wouldn't that be beautiful? No matter what happens Linda, I know you will be ok. You have such a positive attitude and disposition. I'm sure you'd make lemons out of lemonade.
It was really surprising to me see their relationship, considering one no longer could speak in an understandable way. Real life is stranger and more beautiful than anything I could make up. Thanks for reading and commenting, Jeanine!
Your posts stopped appearing in my feed Ilona. This morning, at 5:30 am you just came to my head and asked me to look for you. I normally don’t pick up my phone in the mornings but I did and found you and your great story about yourmom. It is so touching. I need to sit down now, during the day, and read all your back posts. Are you going to do the retreat in Greece? All the best for that?
Such a beautiful remembrance of a difficult time. My dad had dementia and near the end he lived in a group home. While my experience was different than yours Ilona, to see the goodness in people and in the circumstance isn't always easy, but such a blessing.
Beautiful retelling of such a unique encounter. I could vividly picture all three ladies. Dementia can be quite rough on everyone close to the person. I’m glad you got to see some enriching situations. Much love 💕
So enjoyed this post, Ilona! Friendship is indeed innately a part of our lives. My Dad suffered through dementia in his last years. He was always looking for someone he knew and could trust.
you had me at "not dead yet!" your writing has a hold on me. i look forward to what you have to say and how you say it~you make me smile and i can feel that special ingredient wrap around my heart. keep the recipe of words coming! you are doing a great job ilona. i love that we became friends xoxo
Wow, your mom lived a long time in that facility. Mine only lived on year after my father's death, and the facility was a private home with only two "guests." It's so hard when the person who gave birth to us disappears. I'm so sorry yours never said I love you. I hope her spirit whispers it now. Wonderful portrait of these three women who somehow make life work for them.
It was fascinating to me that they came together in this way, in spite of their profound limitations. What a beautiful thing to say, “I hope her spirit whispers it now.” I have not heard it, but perhaps I haven't been listening.
This piece is so sweet- can picture the atmosphere - my mom was in an assisted living facility before she died as well. Your words capture the atmosphere and remind me of those days when I would visit. My mother did not have a “posse” but we noticed that the residents did look after one another. There was a woman who would routinely tell my sister and me if my mother was sad, didn’t feel well etc. i routinely brought my dog with me to visit - it would take at least 30 minutes to get yo my mother’s room. Everyone wanted to pet Sandy and tell me about their pet. Except for the man (a resident) who told me dogs weren’t allowed. There was one woman who I always saw, dressed impeccably, who always walked around with her purse. Perfect hair, very stylish. It took me months before I found out she was a resident and had dementia. Thank you for reminding me of some touching memories.
Yes goodness is our essence.
I used to think about what my life would be like in a nursing home. What would I do in order to still "be me?" I would make sure I had plenty of stationary and cards to mail to people who needed a boost and I would make sure to make friends with the other "inmates," as my MIL used to call them. My hope is to "age in place," and to that end I do weight resistance exercise and try to eat right, but at the end of all my trying are also all the factors (like dementia) that could thwart my best laid plan. If that happens, I hope I meet women like Rita, Carmella, and Grace.
Wouldn't that be beautiful? No matter what happens Linda, I know you will be ok. You have such a positive attitude and disposition. I'm sure you'd make lemons out of lemonade.
I think the same about you!
What a beautiful and brave contemplation, Linda. And I too hope that a Rita, Carmella and Grace would be there to welcome me into the fold.
How beautiful this story. I love the trio of women who even with dementia, held onto a bond of friendship that held them together.
It was really surprising to me see their relationship, considering one no longer could speak in an understandable way. Real life is stranger and more beautiful than anything I could make up. Thanks for reading and commenting, Jeanine!
It was quite a story, Ilona! Really something!
Your posts stopped appearing in my feed Ilona. This morning, at 5:30 am you just came to my head and asked me to look for you. I normally don’t pick up my phone in the mornings but I did and found you and your great story about yourmom. It is so touching. I need to sit down now, during the day, and read all your back posts. Are you going to do the retreat in Greece? All the best for that?
Yes, I'm back from Greece. No worries, Neera, you are a busy lady! Tomorrow you can read about my trip to Greece. Stay tuned!
Looking forward to it.
Such a beautiful remembrance of a difficult time. My dad had dementia and near the end he lived in a group home. While my experience was different than yours Ilona, to see the goodness in people and in the circumstance isn't always easy, but such a blessing.
Beautiful retelling of such a unique encounter. I could vividly picture all three ladies. Dementia can be quite rough on everyone close to the person. I’m glad you got to see some enriching situations. Much love 💕
It was enriching! Thanks for your sweet comment, Taylor.
Amazing real-life characters, Lolo. Uplifting and wholesome.
Thank you, Lolo!
🥰
Lovely story, Ilona. Yes, hope!! Safe travels!
Thanks, Cherie ❤️
So enjoyed this post, Ilona! Friendship is indeed innately a part of our lives. My Dad suffered through dementia in his last years. He was always looking for someone he knew and could trust.
There was a Polish lady who would give me a full report on my mother.…in Polish. So many beautiful souls ❤️
What a wonderful Helen Keller quote! A cherished friend is a blessing. 💜
Truly❤️Thank you, Marlo.
you had me at "not dead yet!" your writing has a hold on me. i look forward to what you have to say and how you say it~you make me smile and i can feel that special ingredient wrap around my heart. keep the recipe of words coming! you are doing a great job ilona. i love that we became friends xoxo
My heart is bursting. Thank you, my beautiful friend❤️ I feel lucky to know you.
Wow, your mom lived a long time in that facility. Mine only lived on year after my father's death, and the facility was a private home with only two "guests." It's so hard when the person who gave birth to us disappears. I'm so sorry yours never said I love you. I hope her spirit whispers it now. Wonderful portrait of these three women who somehow make life work for them.
It was fascinating to me that they came together in this way, in spite of their profound limitations. What a beautiful thing to say, “I hope her spirit whispers it now.” I have not heard it, but perhaps I haven't been listening.
This piece is so sweet- can picture the atmosphere - my mom was in an assisted living facility before she died as well. Your words capture the atmosphere and remind me of those days when I would visit. My mother did not have a “posse” but we noticed that the residents did look after one another. There was a woman who would routinely tell my sister and me if my mother was sad, didn’t feel well etc. i routinely brought my dog with me to visit - it would take at least 30 minutes to get yo my mother’s room. Everyone wanted to pet Sandy and tell me about their pet. Except for the man (a resident) who told me dogs weren’t allowed. There was one woman who I always saw, dressed impeccably, who always walked around with her purse. Perfect hair, very stylish. It took me months before I found out she was a resident and had dementia. Thank you for reminding me of some touching memories.
Yes I enjoyed the residents so much and also brought my dog in. It is a mini-community of sorts full of colorful souls.
Those women may have suffered from dementia, but they maintained their discerning taste in men!
When you've got it, you've got it for life!