I'm a lucky girl. I was born to older parents. By the time I came along, my bro and sis were around 17 and 18 years old. Before I was even aware that life existed beyond me (well, I'm still working on this concept...), my brother was in college and my sister was living in an apartment and working her first job. I had nothing but undivided attention from my parents and a great deal of love and support from my siblings. Life was good. Life has been good being the youngest. Really, I can't complain. It was great having older parents who were more secure in their life situation and parenting skills.
My mom is almost exactly 40 years older. Some 85 year olds are spry and active. My mom is not one of those. She's 99 lbs of frail and fragile bones. Oh, she can still be feisty - especially with her Physical and Occupational Therpists at the rehab center. And thus I come to the heart of the matter: these health care professionals are amazing. They are kind and gentle - but firm and consistent. They look mom in the eye and explain things to her. They joke around and are for the most part extremely genial. Working with sick people would be a major downer for me - but these professionals are obviously built from different clay. I'm thinking of the OT who my mom said was lying (there's some paranoia going on): she just kneeled down next to mom and held her hand and listened and then gently explained again. Or the physical therapist and nurse who transfered mom from wheelchair to bed all while talking to her the entire time. Or the nursing assistant who always brings my dad a cup of coffee.
My mom is frail and feisty and failing. I am so thankful for the outstanding health care professionals who are giving her the most intimate and gentle care possible.
I'm crying. I miss Nana and Papa and YOU so much. I'm talking to Jay about when I can get down there... hopefully the end of this week. Thanks for the post and the picture.
Posted by: Amy F. | 09/22/2010 at 10:45 PM
Amy-do - LU! Go see Nana and Papa - stay overnight with Papa if you can - he'd love that.
Posted by: professionaldawn | 09/23/2010 at 08:07 AM