The main reason for my visit to Winnipeg last week was to spend time with Mum. My last visit with her was discouraging and depressing. Although she's being well taken care of in the long-term facility it's sad to go see her and have her be so unresponsive.
This visit was better - it was cheerful and fun. Mum was having a good day and although she still didn't recognize (and never will again) me and Wendy, she seemed to enjoy our company. She made eye contact with both of us, smiled and even laughed a few times - mere shadows of her pre-Alzheimer's smile and laugh, but real nevertheless.
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| Mum at 90 |
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| Sharing a laugh with Wendy |
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| Smiling as she walks with me |
She collected some leaves that had fallen from the trees as we walked and seemed to enjoy being out in the fresh air and sunshine. She's still very strong although we held her arms as we walked on the uneven paths. One of the blessings of Alzheimer's is that she seems to have forgotten pain and no longer seems to feel the bone grinding arthritis in her shoulder that caused her such agony a couple of years ago. She's always been a very healthy, strong woman and the Alzheimer's hasn't dimished that very much. It was so nice to have such a good visit with her. I talked to her about things that were happening in my life and she listened but couldn't respond. Forgetting how to speak is one of the many symptoms of the disease.
So, all in all, I'm glad I went and spent such an enjoyable time with Mum.
