Eleven years ago today, I was sitting by her side in the hospital, holding her hand, watching her resting comfortably.
I had just met with the neurosurgeon who told me the causes behind her confusion. I didn’t know how to break the news to her, nor did I know if she would even remember.
A stroke.
She had a stroke. The day before they had told me it was the acute renal failure. Now this, a stroke. So began our journey with vascular dementia.
Four and 1/2 years later, I held her hand again as I said tender goodbyes. I watched her resting comfortably as she took her last breath and passed away. Free and at peace at last from the journey of dementia.
No matter how tough it was, each moment I hope to never forget.
I received a gift basket of perennials flowers at her funeral. I planted them that year.
Each year when these flowers reappear, I smile and think of Mom. She loved to see the pops of colors. Especially the wide variety of pinks.
She’d laugh with me if I had the chance today to tell her I tried to get daisies to grow – they were the only ones that didn’t bloom this year.
Aw, Mom, I’m sorry that my bouquet didn’t have daisies, you loved them so.
I can just hear her reply, “Don’t worry dear, there is always next year…next year…my dear.”
Post Inspiration – Sunday Stills – Pink.
PS – What pink flower is your favorite? Is it normal for the daisies to not bloom the first year?
Touching story, Shelley. My mom is 95 this year and I can see her slowing down a lot. Hugs to you.
Thank you, Janet. Aw, that’s wonderful your mom is 95!! Enjoy every smiling moment you get with her, I’m sure she loves seeing your smile. Hugs to you too!
It’s so difficult to watch a parent decline. Your recounting of the pain is beautiful and heartfelt.
Thank you, VJ, much appreciated.
I do know there are some flowers that grow the first year not blooming until the second year but I don’t know if daisies are one. Its wonderful you have such lovely ways to remember mom. Cherish those time til you meet again.
Thank you, Anita, I shall do so. Daisies next spring sound like something fun to look forward to, so I’m good with that.
What a loving tribute to your mother’s memory. And such beautiful flower photos! The detail is incredible.
Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed the post and the flowers. 🙂
Very touching words, Shelley… Thank you for sharing such precious memories. *Big hugs* xx
Aw, thank you, your kindness means so much to me!
What a thoughtful gift..a basket of perennials flowers at your mum’s funeral and what a lovely way to remember her every year. X
Thank you, Marie. It has been fun to watch the flowers thrive each year and to see them pop up each spring.
Lovely post, Shelley
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http://www.areweadultsyet.com
Thank you!
Shelley, this post with your exquisite images and beautiful words about your dear mother just broke my heart! You are very talented, my friend, behind that camera! I’m touched you could be with your mom when she entered into eternity and how wonderful to have the legacy of the flowers. Beautiful! And hugs to you for sharing this with Sunday Stills!
Aw, Terri, thank you for your kind and encouraging words, they mean so much to me. 🙂
This is such a beautiful way to remember your mom.
Thank you, :-)!
You are welcome.
Hi Shelley, what a touching story… I lost my mum this year to Vascular Dementia. She had numerous TIA’s but the dementia was the worst thing I have ever witnessed. Her confusion, her lack of recognition at times as she looked at me. She was 92 .. as much as I love her… I was glad when the angels came.. because dementia is one of the worst things someone has to go through. She would ask why her parents didn’t visit her. She would ask why her sister’s didn’t go. She completely lost the last 50 years of her life.. she was back in the 40’s and 50’s. And would be so upset that those who were close to her never visited her.
My mum and dad were so close, it broke my heart to see her forget about him.
Dementia sucks. What a beautiful tribute to your mum. Take care xx
Aw, I’m so sorry you and your family had to experience the Vascular Dementia trials and to lose your mom to it. I know how you feel, my heart goes out to you too. Yes, it is very difficult for the family. My mom went through much of the same thing as your mom did, she passed at 70 years of age, I can’t imagine her living with it for an additional 20 years. Your love for your mom and dad is beautiful, I wish you continued healing from the losses you experienced. Thank you for sharing your heart-tugging story. I know from experience, the pain fades over time, not easily, but as you said, it is easier to say goodbye when the struggles are so challenging like they are with dementia. Take care, xx
Thank you Shelley… It was like losing my mum twice.. once to dementia and then death.. thank you for your thoughts xx
Aw, yes, it is very much like that. My doctor told me that dementia is one of the longest goodbyes, she’s right. Cyber-hugs to you, xx!
Thank you xx
Lovely
Thank you 🙂
My mom’s story was similar to your mom’s. She had a stroke, which caused dementia. She lived 3 years after that, and those years were her unhappiest. Purple was her color.
Yes, my mom’s last years weren’t her favorite years, that’s for sure. Vascular dementia is one we can prevent, but once it takes hold, there’s no stopping the outcome. You’re doing the right things to avoid it, keep up the exercise and keep that giving heart a pumping! xx