After they exhaust the competitive sibling banter about whose health is better, and whose day was most blessed, Mom's sister finally asks her the big question, "How do you like your new place?" Mom's answer will be the pivotal moment that defines her thoughts on the quality of caregiving I've been providing. What she says will reveal what is really going on in her mind and heart since she's been living here these past few weeks.
To my surprise her answer came swift and concise. "I love my apartment! the Gardner is so busy working on the grounds, and the people in the lobby are nice too, but the cook's kitchen doesn't stay open all day." Apartment? Gardener? People in the Lobby? We have a short-order cook in the kitchen? Where does Mom think she's living?!? In a five star hotel in Dubai? She continues... "It's a beautiful place, and Marie and Angelo are taking such good care of me. I'm so blessed to be here!"
Do I hear the melodic voices of angels singing? I do hear them. They're singing, "Aaaaaaah!"
It meant the world to me to know that my Mom likes it here. She likes her bedroom, she likes the imaginary people in the imaginary lobby, She likes the short-order cook in the kitchen, and let's not forget the mystery Gardener. And, wow, she actually called me by my birth name!
All our blood, sweat, and tears searching for the right house, packing, traveling back and forth, storing our belongings, moving, unpacking and settling in was not in vain. Best of all, she called this house a beautiful home. Tonight I will sleep a very sweet sleep. When I awake in the wee hours of the night (as I so often do.), and think about what she said, I will smile a warm smile and whisper on my pillow, "I love you too, Mom."
