We are funny creatures. The whole of us made up with tiny pieces of family and friends that have gone before us, or touched us in some sweet, or bittersweet way. We all have our own unique gifts, ideas and ways of looking at things, and of doing things.
Like folding towels.
I fold towels like my mom taught me. I wonder who taught her? Or did she see it in a magazine in the 50's? But I have "my own way" of folding towels. I even refold my sweethearts towel because he doesn't fold it like I do. Even after more than 20 years. He has his own way too, but I redo it... :)
I started pondering this when my best girlfriend was telling me how she knew her moms Alzheimer's was getting worse. Her mom forgot how to fold the towels "her" way, and folded them haphazardly. And her mom had a very specific way of folding towels that allowed no deviations. And now she has forgotten. It has left her.
I wonder, is this a loss, or a freedom?
To those around, it is a painful reminder that she is leaving them. One thought, or memory at a time.
I believe that we need to grasp this day as if it is all that we are allotted, Bask in its glory and sunshine. Be in its moments and enjoy the day for all it is worth. No one is guaranteed tomorrow. Tell those you love them today. Give your dog or cat an extra pet. Hug your friends a little longer, a little tighter. Smile and thank God for this day, for this moment, and that you have finished the laundry. How do you know that the laundry is finished?
You just folded the last towel.
3 comments:
good morning sister! hippo birdies 2 ewe!!!!
i had to laugh at your towel-folding story. my mom has a set way to fold towels (bath and kitchen) and she will refold any towel any where to fit her fold. when asked why, she simply says that is the way they fit in the linen closet (or kitchen drawer). i am not even sure we have a linen closet anymore, or that the drawer set up is the same, but those towels have been folded the same way for 70 years!!!
Happy Birthday a little late! On the towel story, I think it is a loss and not a freedom for my dad suffered from dimentia and he hated the inability to be able to remember certain things. Fortunately, he knew us up to the end but I was so sad for the loss he suffered knowing that he could not remember. The doctor said he had alzheimer's initially but he always knew he couldn't remember and finally they realized it was dimentia not alzheimer's. Perhaps with alzheimer's it is a freedom because you don't know you can't remember. Sad all the way around.
Sandi, I do agree that if you can remember that you should be able to remember- it is a loss. Almost to much to bear, I would think. And to be in that state would be horrifying to me.
I am so very sorry for your pain and your dads suffering.
I do know that my friends mom has moments of memory that are so clear, but then they are gone again, and the clearness becomes less and less. It is such a debilitating disease. My heart just aches for the families too, that lose a little of their loved one day by day.
Sending you hugs.
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