Thursday, May 3, 2012

THE DAY YOU SEE I'M GETTING OLD



Letter from a Mother to a Daughter: 

"My dear girl, the day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through. If when we talk, I repeat the same thing a thousand times, don’t interrupt to say: “You said the same thing a minute ago”... Just listen, please. Try to remember the times when you were little and I would read the same story night after night until you would fall asleep. 

When I don’t want to take a bath, don’t be mad and don’t embarrass me. Remember when I had to run after you making excuses and trying to get you to take a shower when you were just a girl? When you see how ignorant I am when it comes to new technology, give me the time to learn and don’t look at me that way... remember, honey, I patiently taught you how to do many things like eating appropriately, getting dressed, combing your hair and dealing with life’s issues every day..... 

the day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through. If I occasionally lose track of what we’re talking about, give me the time to remember, and if I can’t, don’t be nervous, impatient or arrogant. Just know in your heart that the most important thing for me is to be with you. 

And when my old, tired legs don’t let me move as quickly as before, give me your hand the same way that I offered mine to you when you first walked. When those days come, don’t feel sad... just be with me, and understand me while I get to the end of my life with love. I’ll cherish and thank you for the gift of time and joy we shared. With a big smile and the huge love I’ve always had for you, I just want to say, I love you... my darling daughter. "

This 'story' was posted on Facebook by a friend, Kathy Maximo, and my friend, Julie Grakowsky, made me aware of it. I read it and cried as I came to the realization that this story is my story. Even with mom's dementia getting in the way, or maybe because of it, I felt I was living this mother and daughter's life.
I'm sure this was written at the time of Mother's Day for a reason. It works beautifully, but the story works perfectly for me and my precious mother.

Blessings, Jan

4 comments:

Erica of Golden Egg Vintage said...

Very touching. Thank you. I'll pass this on to someone who needs it right now. :)

Sweetina said...

This is beautiful Jan. It really does tell the story of you and your Dear Mother right now, where she is in life. Where we all will be, in turn. I will save this for myself and my daughter. THanks so much for such a meaningful post. I hope you are all doing well and treasuring moments at the ranch. Thinking of you, Tina

alteredstatesstudio said...

i have been told that this role reversal will happen. it is a lovely story, and something to definitely remember....we can't always choose how life will be, and what that journey will look like. God bless you Jan and your mom!

just me said...

so true is it not! I hope all is going well with you and adjustments going well. I hope your mom and sophie are having a blast at the ranch and you are all in our prayers.

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