Cherish each moment
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I am so learning how important this truely is...we rush through our days and we rush our children to learn, to walk, to pottie train,to eat by themselves, to talk, to run, to skip, to jump...and so on and on...and I am sure we do cherish the moments when they accomplish each of these feats...
We are so proud of them, so excited for them and want nothing more then the very best in the future for them....It is just so natural to do...and in my life time so far...I have been very fortunate to have healthy children, ambitous hard working, caring adults that also became wonderful parents...and were also very fortunate (cross my fingers) in having healthy great children of their own...
Some of their children have grown and gotten married and are now actually parents too (hense the Great grandchildren I have) and we all need to cherish this fact...need to Thank God for our blessings and the strength He has given to us...
There comes a time though in (well my life) that things change rather quickly...we sail along everything going fine...no real big problems or no problems we can't handle...then one day the bottom falls out...Loved ones die...leave you alone...get diseases...move away...so many different things can happen...
Since my 89 year old mom has been in a home, because she has Alzheimers disease, it has made me slow down and CHERISH the moments...moments that are few and far between...
With the loose of your memory things become "in the moment" only...Like at the Christmas Party at the home she is in (32 residents ). Santa Clause came to visit them...They were all in the main diningroom with name tags on , all dressed up (which the caretakers took upon themselves) in their best...waiting..."for what" my mom says...Gifts were all wrapped in fancy Christmas bags with tissue paper...so it would be easy for them to open...
Santa walked around and visited each resident and the smiles and excitement was wonderful...the Joy could be felt by all...Then he went and handed each person their gift and said their name...the big eyes sparkling like a childs and the anticipation of "what is inside of here" was delightful to watch... At the table I sat with my mom ; there were four ladies and each opened their gift to find a large tube of hand lotion ( they use a lot of it there). they looked at it and we opened the tubes and put lotion on our hands and rubbed it in. Then they put them back neatly in the bags...Looked up to see SANTA ! ! as if for the first time...once again...then back to their gifts sitting on the table in front of them "owww what is in here" as they once again pulled out their surprises with smiles of joy all over their faces...
Well this happened 3-4 times and each time they were "Cherishing the moment"...Then we sang songs while the caregivers prepared the Christmas treats for everyone...Colorful cakes and cookies and ice cream and they were all so Happy and giggly , but also tired by now...So off to bed they all go for a nap (their choice tho)...Only to awaken and get ready for the evening meal...with no memory of all the Christmas excitement just 2 hrs. ago...
So I have learned to "Cherish each Moment" with my mom as she enjoys them, and even if she forgets I shall never forget them...Plus was the first White Christmas I ever had...:O))
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G-Ma, you hit the nail dead on the head. Cherish each and every moment is so important because they are gone before you know it. This life is to short to try and hurry through it. I used to be a rush rush person but since having kids I enjoy stopping and smelling the roses. I have to remind myself of that sometimes because it is easy to get caught up in the moment and start to race around. You are right it is important to be grateful for what we have and live moment to moment. Thanks for sharing such a moving hub!
Great hub. I try to Cherish every moment I have with my kids. My daughter is 6 now, and it blows my mind, because not so long ago she was a baby, and now my son, is a week away from being 18 months. Time flys to fast.
SweetiePie Thank you but really wasn't a poem :O) or I didn't mean for it to be...G-Ma Hugs & Peace..
TRIPLET MOM...Awww you are such a sweet thing my dear...and I am so glad you get it while still young...Although I did too...it's just difficult with my mom cause she doesn't even recognize me as her daughter or know my name...and she forgets what we did 10 min. ago...Thanks for the comment and God Bless...G-Ma :o) Hugs & Peace
Cherish77...Yes my dear time does fly by so very fast....at times it seems they will never "grow up" but before you know they do...You have a lifetime though to enjoy them...just don't rush it...and Thank you for commenting...G-Ma :o) hugs & Peace
Agreed, G-Ma. It goes by too fast and is way too short. Very nice hub. Hang in there!
G-Ma: I was thinking tonight of my Mom who passed away at age 89, and also had Alzheimer's. Until this day I remember our last moments together; I had taken her to the local park near the nursing home, and we spent the day, eating her favorite sweets, watching the birds, and a cute little boy play; the little boy made my Mom chuckle. Even if Mom was in her mental fog, she had her lucid moments, and on that day in the park, it was just a Mom and daughter enjoying each other's company. Hard to see such a pretty vital woman become like a child. I cherish that moment with Mom as simple as it was, and it gave me strength when she passed away a few days later due to natural causes.
Thanks for reminding me to cherish each day and those I love. I was moved to a few tears by your hub. You write from the heart. Sniff.
G-Ma J, Great sentiment and beautiful story of spending time with your mom and her friends. I know only too well how Alzheimers robs not only the primary patient of memories, but his/her family of something precious, too. It's important that we don't impose our own expectations -- just live very simply and, as you say, cherish every moment with everyone in our lives. Thanks for the reminder!! MM
rockin joe...Thanks hun you have a soft side I see..Nice very nice and I shall Hang in...don't worry...be happy...G-Ma :o) Hugs & Peace
VioletSun...sniff sniff back my dear :O( ...I know how it feels and I also know the day will come when she is gone from me...but till then I will try to make her happy even if it is "only in the moment"...Honestly she is like a child to me and I am always worried about her and if I miss a day or 2 I feel so bad and ashamed of myself...but I know I have a life and she is well cared for and is only good for about 2 hrs at a time...God is my guide...Thanks for the comment..as I wipe my eyes and sigh...G-Ma :o) Hugs & Peace
MightyMom....Yes it is so important to just go with the flow and enter into whatever space they are in...Like today she was back in N.D. where she was born (me too) and talking about the way things were...she lived on a farm and we were discussing milking the cows and collecting the eggs...her 3 sisters and her mom and dad...actually was good to hear her cause usually she is very quiet these days...She even was talking about my dad..who passed away 5 years ago...she hardly ever mentions him...kinda scares me though to. Humm thank you dear and God Bless You...G-Ma :o) Hugs & Peace
G-Ma, I understand that pain it is hard. We went through that with my grandfather and it was very difficult for my grandmother. I am sorry that you are going through that and I understand the pain and difficulty.
Awww Thank you dear...but actually I am doing fine..It hurts and is difficult but I go to 2 group meetings a month and it really helps...Mom and I have it much easier then many others and I thank my dad for taking care to see that she has the provisions for such a thing...
It helps to write about it and I read about it and I talk about it. You know I think it is very hard when it is your spouse...I mean they live together on a dailey basis and me and mom didn't for so many years...I mean after one takes a husband and family...so it may be a bit easier on me then your grandma...God Bless...G-Ma :O) Hugs & Peace
Good thoughts, G-Ma. Your mention of your mother's alzheimer's strikes a chord with me. Shortly after Christmas I received a phone call from a college friend whith whom I'd been exchanging Christmas cards for many years. Last I knew he was living in NY City. Anyway he called from some kind of an elder care facility in Iowa and said he'd received my Chiristmas card and letter and wondered where we had met. I explained we had been corridor mates in college and went on to name several friends we had in common including his then girl friend Carol xxxxxx. I mentioned that he had visited me and my wife several times in Detroit. Nothing rang a bell. He said he wasn't sure how he got to Iowa--someone had driven him there by car. I knew his older brother had died several years ago and I asked if he had other relatives in the town. He said his brother's son and wife lived there. I asked if he still had his apartment in NYC and he said yes. He said he planned to return there as soon as he was able. I asked if he was paying the rent, and he replied that his nephew had taken his checkbook, but that he assumed he was paying the rent. Very sad...and scary. He's not much older than me!
I cherish each moment. Each blessing God gives me. To have an illness such as mine it makes you stop and thank God for all the little things others with good health would take for granted. Like, a nice walk on a warm day, thanking Him for the strength today to be able to go out. I also am thankful for your friendship G-Ma!
Ralph...I am sorry I know it is hard but that is exactly how dementia works...cells get like glued in a mass which they refer to as 'Holes' and cannot be repaired...and so it blocks the memory..The brain must take a different route...like when you run into a detour...and sometimes get lost...but dementia never gets better and sometimes you never find you way...they "Live in the Moment" Though there are kinds (200) of dementia sometimes they are coupled with other things like Parkinson, Louiebody, oh many things...
If you want to read about it there is a book called "The 36 Hour Day" in paperback which is great in explaining everything...or you can go to www.alz.org and read about it or call 1-800-272-3900 also for the Alzheimer Org. Alzheimer was the name of the man who actually figured out dementia and the name is like an umbrella for all the different kinds of dementia...everyone is different but many things are the same...
The thing is they do forget...there is one gentleman where my mom lives that thinks he is a volunteer there...a woman who thinks she is going home in couple of days and is at a Hotel..one other woman who believed she was the nurse there (being a nurse in her normal life) and it goes on...Don't be alarmed if he completley forgets you...my mom has forgotten me but a big smile and hugs are always my greeting when I go get her (which is every other day). She is actually pretty healthy bodywise...Now some people cannot be taken out...but so far for me I can take her shopping etc. well My dear prayers are always in order and thank you for your comments always...G-Ma :o) Hugs & Peace
Sciantel...Yes my dear I am certain you understand the meaning of "cherish each moment"...better then most of us...My dear am also thankful to know you and God blesses us everyday....Thanks for always commenting G-Ma :o) Hugs & Peace
This has made me feel sentimental suddenly (sigh) but in a good way. With fond memories stored in our heartd we will never be truly alone. Thanks for sharing :D
Cris A...Yes dear that is so true..but there are those special moments that for some are 'only in the moment' and they never remember them...like my sweet Mother...and some are good and some are not so good...but that is the blessing ? of the disease..one minute they are upset and 5 min.later you hug them and all is forgotten...Like the dentist appt. yikes...or when she broke her wrist...she pulled the cast off bit by bit every week I had to return to have it replaced...but she remembers my car when she sees it...she loves to go for rides...Thanks sweetie for your comments G-Ma :o) Hugs & Peace
Thank you for your wise advice, G-ma. Especially in these troubled times and always, life is too short not to cherish the moment.
Tom...yes and as we get older (like me) we see it disappear too fast..I just can't believe how fast time slips away...Maybe because I am slower then I used to be...and yes these troubles times do make us think , as we see other's so much worse off then some of us...me included..I have way more then I need...Thank you my dear for your comment...G-Ma :o) Hugs & Peace
Darling G-Ma, You truly write your heart when you start writing. We need to cherish each moment but the need is intense when we're real low, when we need someone, then the ability, the strength, the feel of cherishing each moment helps us get the relief. And the pics you attached, they give a life to your hubs :)
Cheers!
Awww...Thank you chillingbreeze... how nice of you to say such wonderful words to me...and yes all is true...cherish the moments good and bad...G-Ma :o) Hugs & Peace
What a wonderful reminder G-Ma. Sometimes we do get to be too busy running here and there, trying to get things done and fulfill responsibilities that we forget to just stop awhile and cherish what is happening and appreciating who we are and the people in our lives. Thank you so much for writing this all down and for bringing us into the light. Keep on enjoying life. :-)
Thank You ripplemaker..it is difficult at times though when she can't remember even how to open the door...and she can't complete a sentence...anyway there are many moments to cherish and I am trying to focus on them and let the rest go...cause I have no control over this horrible disease, which is only one of many in this world...God Bless and nice to have you comment...G-Ma :o) Hugs & Peace
I only listen to my g-ma's advice because no one, knows better.
Your Hub is beautiful, so loving and deep. It touched me deeply. We all "know" we should enjoy the beauty of the moments with our dearest ones, but every now and on (very often), somebody wiser has to remind us.
I am very sorry because your Mum loosing the memory. I can imagine your pain and joy when two of you can communicate. I believe that is that experience much more easier for her, then for you...and you learned so much...school of life sometimes is not easy...
You have my compassion, hugs and love.
Thank you for teaching us. You have created great Hub...
Well goldentoad YOU are a smart man...Am sure your G-Ma loves you cause you told me how much you love her...Thanks for the comment...G-Ma :o) Hugs & Peace
tatjana...Well yes "school of life " to quote you, can be a tough one...but I guess is the way human's learn...and you are very sweet and I am so happy for your hugs and love my dear...sometimes I NEED a big hug...I know she is happy though...Thanks for the comment...G-Ma:o) Hugs & Peace
G-Ma,
you made me dreamy eyed and reminisce my own moments when I held my lil kids for the first time in my arms and breastfed them. Oh you're gonna make me cry now. I truly gave them all the love in the world. Those were the moments that are mine.
I will and I promise to live my life to the fullest and givethe love that I can because what I truly own is the moment.
thank you, G-Ma
sheenarobins...awwww yes..."Don't worry...Be Happy".... those were the days...and they slip away too fast... and yes we truly only own The Moment...So make them all Happy ones and thoughtful ones and caring ones and let the rest go...Thanks for your sweet comment...G-Ma :o) Hugs & Peace
And G-Ma, I also want some of those lovin' you gave to goldentoad. :)
Ok sugar ((HUGS & LOVE) from this G-ma to you...Kisses too G-Ma :o)
hehehe. thanks! Hugs and love to you too. I will be back tomorrow. It's 3am my time now. And the bed is calling me.
sweet dreams and nighti night sugar...G-Ma :o))
G-Ma: Such a beautiful thoughtful hub. Yes life is lived in those few wonderful moments when our whole existence seems so purposeful and meaningful. It's those moments by which we reference our life so far not in the years or decades spent but those wonderful moments spent with loved ones are memories for a life time. I hope you treasure those magical moments with your mother forever. A really big hug to you from me. Oh I am missing my mom now while reading this hub and I should stop now.
Aww... sweetie am sorry about your mom my dear...someday I shall be saying the same things...I am so feeling guilty if I don't see her everyday but I have a life too...I do go every other day and actually is about all she can handle anyway. Life can go by so fast...even though at times it seems to drag..
I bet your mom was wonderful...look at her daughter..Thank you sweetie for commenting and here..my shoulder is big...((HUGS BACK)) G-Ma :o) Hugs & Peace
Thanks for the big warm hug. I do talk to her almost everyday for almost an hour but the fact that I am in US and she is in India I can't meet her more often in Person which I miss a lot. Thanks for crediting my mom and me (you just know how to compliment and make me feel so good). Hugs & Peace to you too. CW ((HUGS BACK))
cw IT IS GOOD THOUGH TO BE ABLe TO CHAT WITH HER.../ oops for caps..sorry with my sweet mom she can't carry on a conversation so is very difficult...but we do manage to figure things out..as I am getting to understand her short sentences...you are a dear lady...G-Ma :o) Hugs & Peace
G-Ma what a delightful story you shared with us as you spent those cherished moments with your mom and Santa at the Home. Through your writing you drew me right in there with you and could sense what you are going through and why this was such an important subject for you to write. I hope G-Ma that you cherished those few moments while you were imparting beautiful words, thoughts and feeling onto paper. Your writing gift is blooming! Lots of Love to you and Thanks! ~Dottie~
Dottie1 well hi sweetie...and thank you for your nice words...It seems if you just write what you are thinking it isn't so hard after all. And yes we have many moments to cherish yet...
Well just hoping to reach some people that are going through what I am...and let them know we are not alone in this fight against dementia...
And hope you are also having a good day Dotti...G-Ma :o) Hugs & Peace
This is simply as beautiful a hub as its writer....very sweet.
Hugs G-Ma
Sam...Hi Hi :O)) good to see you around again sweetie...everythings alright hey? And thank you dear for such nice words...G-Ma :o) Hugs & Peace
Thanx G-ma..... such nice words.
Hi sugar....here you are and then there you go, hard to keep up with you...G-Ma HUGS & Peace
G-Ma, you have such a sweet patience and attitude with all the extra load you have to carry. Blessings and continued strength to you.
frogfish... Thank you my dear...she deserves every bit of it and as long as God continue's to give me strength I shall do all I can for her...G-Ma :O) Hugs
Oh what a beautiful and touching story I loved reading about this and I hope that your mom is still doing well. :)
AEvans...Thank you sweetie...she is doing as well as she can...is a difficult thing...:O) Hugs
You are a wise woman and a wonderful daughter, as well as a great writer! How very easy it is for us to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life and neglect to cherish the moment in the moment...thank you for sharing your journey, that it may inspire others! God bless you and your family!
I gave you a link from my Hub
http://hubpages.com/hub/Why-is-it-so-easy-to-take-
Please give me a link back if you want to!
I look forward to being a loyal follower of yours.
God-Bless
A very wonderful piece. True to its word and remarkable. You ve said it all. Life is too short cherish every moment while it lasts. Thanks and remain blessed
SweetiePie Level 6 Commenter 3 years ago
Very nice poem G-Ma :).