Ode to my Mom

I thought it fitting to pay tribute to my mother, on this Mother's Day. My mom will be 90 years old in November. She still gets around pretty good, still has dark hair -not all gray and even makes it to Church with me every Sunday. She and dad live in a lovely assisted living facility. They don't complain about it, although, I know it has been a huge adjustment for them. Mom has kept her sense of humor and is always optimistic about life. She is always eager to participate in family gatherings and likes to be part of the conversation. I often have to remind her that she is not able to continue to do the things her mind tells her she can still do.
A few weeks ago, our bishop and his wife reported to us that they saw my folks trucking across the Home Depot parking lot with their walkers - mom with her rollator and dad with his Jazzy electric scooter. They had called Dial-A-Ride and hitched a ride to Jack In the Box (they had a hankering for a fast food burger), then they decided to walk across the parking lot to Marshall's and do some shopping.
This is a big shopping complex parking lot - Home Depot, Marshalls, Petco, WalMart, Bed Bath and Beyond etc. It didn't occur to them that it might be too far to walk. I called to make sure they had gotten home okay. They were pooped, but enjoyed their little outing.
Not being able to drive, and enjoy their independence has been the hardest part of the aging process for them.
I am grateful they live close-by where I can keep an eye on them!
I love you, Mom and I am grateful for your humor and optimism.