Santa and Mom 12-19-11

Another great time with my mom...We have spent four Christmas's now with Santa at the Alzheimer's facility she lives in and each one has been the same but still very different.

It is always amazing to watch these adorable elderly people almost be kids again. The big smiles and the comments should all be recorded because they only happen once, and then are forgotten by them. Today was absolutely no exception. Small decorated Christmas tree's (fake ones) were set in the middle of each round table, and without a doubt, fondled with amazement and love, a sparkle in their eyes and smiles on their faces. A volunteer guitarist was playing and singing the usual fun songs, as we all joined in . It was very relaxing while we waited for Santa Claus.

Though mom had her eyes closed , one wouldn't think she pays attention, but I know she does. She was aware of the party mood. We had gone to her room earlier and combed her hair, put it in a ponytail, then put on one of the caps she likes to wear. Found a nice spot at a window and sat there holding hands and singing.

I have to say right now that once I returned home and began this writing I was so frustrated I was crying. One of the caregivers had taken the best picture of mom and Santa with my camera, then asked me to send it to her because she had forgotten to use her camera like she did for all the others. Of course I gladly said yes...but I can be such a dork at times and while I was in my photo shop somehow I deleted it. I told myself "everything happens for a reason" and have finally settled down.

Well Santa came , made his way around to each resident and it was wonderful. Some of the things that came out of the mouths of these demented sweethearts had us in stitches...Santa asked questions like "what do you want for Christmas?"... Answers were varied...like..." I don't believe in Santa anymore"... "I want a husband"..."Can I have the cookies"..."I want you to sit down and talk to me"... "I want my family here"..."I want to go home"...

...and "have you been good this year?" "well I think so"..."That is debatable" ..."Maybe you can tell me. I forget"...Then he went back around giving them each a gift and it was again like he just arrived. Cookies and juice were served, a few more songs were song, then off to take their naps...Living in the Moment is all one can do.

One moment I know she enjoyed, was her dear friend of many,many years who came to see her while Santa was there. It took a few minutes while mom digested her friends voice, but then she opened her eyes and smiled...Thank you dear friend so much...

Mom is on Hospice and I am learning so much about all this and that death is tough. We have taken some meds away as they just aren't doing anything for her, at this point and she doesn't need extra chemicals going into her frail, weak body right now. She hasn't been eating a whole lot, but she opens that mouth when she wants too and as far as I am concerned she can have whatever she wants at this point. However since she doesn't speak it is trial and error on my part, but the last few days I have been taking her eggnog and she loves it. I remember as a child on the night we put up and decorated the Christmas tree mom and dad made eggnog...yummy was that good. She still enjoys it.

The question is (in my head) will we have another Christmas together? I plan on spending Christmas day with her.

The photo's I put here are from today December 19,2011 God Bless and MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE...:O) Hugs G-Ma