2016

There are many people writing about what they are thankful for in 2015 and some are listing goals they have for the upcoming year. I've done similar postings in the past [here] and [here]. 2016 will be an easy one to make a list for because I only have one item on it - Mom.

Yes, 2016 will be the Year of My Mother.

Those of you who stop by regular will know that Mom moved in with me a few months ago. This was a surprise to me as I moved back to PA three years ago, for the very reason of helping Mom with a difficult living situation. Fast forward and now, we are finally settled. A lot of grief, pain, and struggles have gone on since then, but that is all put away for now. It's easy to let it go.

Mom is slipping.

I hated to see it first hand,, as this woman has been someone you could count on for so many years, I first put it out there [here], counting the ways I notice her challenges. Not only simple things like remembering  my name or making coffee, but her struggling with finding the right word, her slowing down physically, and her losing abilities, like cooking, she had her whole life.

Yet, the belly-laughs just the past few days outnumber the ones I heard the previous 40 years or so. She is happy. Maybe for the first time in a long time, she is truly, fully, and completely happy. She has no concerns about being abused, mentally or otherwise by an ex. She has no worries about paying the bills, having enough time to do what she wants, or any other thing that may come up. No worries.

2016 will be an adjustment for me, no doubt.

I haven't lived with ANYONE in such a long time. I NEVER had responsibility for ANYONE EVER. I NEVER had to cook regularly for anyone other than myself. I NEVER had to plan for a future that is totally unknown. Mom's condition changing? Unknown. My ability to give her enough quality care? Unknown. It's not SO bad.

I think about what my list of resolutions would have been like if she WASN'T with me. I think I am going to look forward to more belly-laughs and not worry about what I can't control. I think we will be just fine...

https://www.crowdrise.com/helgas-adventures-in-whereverland/fundraiser/tomwelcomer