All through the caregiving years, we were still making memories although I did not realize then, how precious our caregiving memories would become. Every life stage matters. Even though your parent or loved one cannot do everything they once did, there is still a beautiful bond, and time spent together is precious , whether it is feeding, dressing, reading to them, brushing their hair , or singing to them . To be there at a time when they need you most , is so important. Once the caregiving is over, you will miss it.
This past week, we laid my sweet little Mom-in-law ,Irene, to rest . She was just three months shy of 102. This marks the end of fifteen years of caregiving, beginning in 2008 when my parents began to need assistance . We truly feel like orphans now .
When my mom died in 2016, Irene was 95 years old but still quite well. She hugged me , saying she was so sorry about my mom. I told her that she was my only mom now.
She was caring and nurturing and had accepted me and my family into her heart and home many years before . We had many wonderful visits with Irene in the Retirement Home , where she lived for eight years. After her one hundredth birthday , the falls began and eventually she had to move to a long term care home.
By the time she moved to long term care she had outlived her friends, her in-laws, her family doctor and soon the Queen. She still loved to walk, until three fractures within her last year, put an end to walking. She was our little Velveteen Rabbit, worn out from life and a few broken bones. Yet she was still Irene. She could still feed herself, and enjoy a good cup of tea. She still had a twinkle in her eye, great hair, and a smile that would melt your heart. She really never had any serious illness ….she was simply very fragile .
Irene, ´ you are the other mom I got,
the day I wed your son,
And I just want to thank you Mom,
For all that you have done. ´
Rest in peace Irene ….the name Irene means peace ……good-night Irene,
I’ll see you in my dreams. ❤️
