How do I capture the last few days in words? How do I articulate the loss I feel? My beautiful, vivacious, Mama is now resting peacefully. Alzheimer’s is complicated and devastating. I have 30+ voice messages saved-Mom singing “I love you, a bushel & a peck…” Sometimes the calls came only a few minutes apart because, you know-no short term memory. But, I knew there would be a last call, a last time she would call me Uppy or sing to me. I knew there would be a last time we would dance to Carole King or Bill Withers; a last time I would hear her laugh. The calls stopped coming and dancing was no longer possible, but Mama’s eyes still lit up at my silliness and she could still feel the music and hold my hand. She shared her infectious smile easily and readily until a few days ago when she was simply too weary and tired. The timing of the last few days will always amaze me. A Chicago layover on our return from Colorado to Rhode Island allowed me to be with mom on her last day. I have since been surrounded by love and support and many kindnesses came my way. I am beyond grateful. My beautiful sisters and I, along with our families and so many others are blessed beyond measure to have loved and been loved by this beautiful woman. Peacefully at rest, forever loved, we will miss you Mama….
A bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck, a hug around the neck. And a barrel and a heap, a barrel and a heap and I’m talking in my sleep about you…”
