Below is a poem I wrote regarding my mother at her current stage of life. If you can relate to the sentiments of the poem, let me know your thoughts and experiences in the comments.
The picture is of my parents in 1951 when they were in their twenties. I thank God for my parents and the life they provided my brother, two sisters, and me. Dad passed away in 2003. My mother lives in Baltimore with one of my sisters, but she spends a couple months in the summer with my wife and me in Louisville. Mom is now 96 years old.
My Mother, In the Moment
She remembers her children,
Names them one by one.
Loves her children,
None forgotten, not one.
.
Precious like gemstones.
Worries for her children,
Wonders where they are.
Spread so far from her.
.
Have you heard from him?
Have you heard from her?
Yes, Mom, yesterday. Remember?
The text? The picture? The call?
Remember?
.
Only in the moment.
Present slips to past,
Memory fades,
Yet sweet fragrance remains.
.
Remembers Dad, reminisces.
Watches at the window.
A sentinel who sees,
But cannot report.
.
Loves my spouse of
Sweet, resounding voice
And her grands.
Grown, tender babies.
.
Satisfying food remains.
Rarely feels hungry,
But with a reminder,
She enjoys her food.
.
Hot dog with mustard.
Treats, easy to eat. Soup.
Salami on rye with mustard.
Cottage cheese and peaches.
Oatmeal cream pies.
.
Joy and humor remain.
Laughs, how old
Her children have got.
The youngest, big old boy
With gray beard.
.
Awareness remains.
Shakes her head,
I’m like a baby.
My mind is pitiful.
.
Lost
Tracking of time.
What day is it?
Dinnertime already?
.
Lost
Teacher’s mind,
Brilliant and precise.
Books and magazines sit idle.
.
Lost
Energy. But never tires
Of chatting with my in-laws
Hours on end.
.
Shouts for my sister-in-law.
Come to my room.
How are you, baby?
Hugs. Smiles. Kisses.
.
How are they?
Have I seen them?
Yes, Mom, last week. Remember?
The visit? The meal? The laughter?
Remember?
.
Only in the moment.
Present slips to past,
Memory fades,
Yet sweet fragrance remains.
.
Past has passed.
Future not remembered.
Life goes on, priceless.
Priceless in the moment.
God has given us all we need in his word. I realized living to be old is a time we will need our family members to help us and provide care. I thank God for my husband, daughters and all other family members both biological and my church family .
Ruby,
Thank you for your comment. God provides for his people!
Nicely done she is very proud of you I am sure. I miss my mom everyday.
Sure wish you would do your book in audio it would be nice to hear your voice.
Donna,
Thank you. An audiobook isn’t planned any time soon. Kindle has an option where it reads the text.
Not only does it take a village to raise a child it also takes a village to help family members transition to a new phase of life in their family. The Lord helps us in all things.
Amen!
The sweetest moments I have spent with your mom are priceless. The poem is such a beautiful tribute to Ms. Ree I love her spirit.
love and a kiss 😘 Bootney
Hi Bootney,
Thank you for your comments and for all the loving care you provided Mom over the years.