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Friday, April 23, 2010

The Alzheimer Poet


My poor old Mama
with her disintegrating brain
shows distinct signs of humor
as she arises from the dust of herself:

How are you?
Better than eating dirt!

Would you like to do something?
I’d rather do that than play in the mud!

Are you happy?
I’m happy!
Life seems to have just opened up!

~~~~~~

When she said that last bit about life opening up, Mom spread out her hands, making like a flower opening to the sun. Hooray for my mother! Thank you for your prayers. I have a lightness of spirit since visiting her yesterday and finding her so perky, speaking Alzheimer’s poetry again.

This is a Friday Flash 55, a tale told in exactly 55 words. It’s hosted by the G-Man, Mr. Knowitall, and you’ll find dozens of creative storytellers on his blog today. Like my mom says, It’s better than eating dirt.

~~~~~~

28 comments:

nsiyer said...

I am happy for you and your mother. What a spirit and what a way to liven up. My best wishes to you both.

Jinksy said...

Brilliant 55 that keeps its sense of humour in the midst of tragedy...

Alan Burnett said...

I hadn't realised it was a 55 until the end. That is because the piece has a life of its own. There is no need for a meme or a theme : it sparkles all on its own.

Brian Miller said...

glad you found some smile together. will keep praying. have a wonderful weekend. smiles.

Syd said...

This made me smile. Your mother is happy and life has just opened up. Not many people can say that. I am glad that you feel light now Chris.

Karen said...

Chris, Life does open and close at its own pace, and we, if we can be wise, allow ourselves to be well with it open or closed.

So glad Mama and you are both feeling better. It's an open day. Enjoy.

Nikki (Sarah) said...

great 55 and your strength to care about and for your mom...always amazes me. Stay strong. Sarah

G-Man said...

Oh My Chris...
I do believe that this is the best 55 that I've read so far today!!
I absolutely loved this story.
They always have said..'Out of the mouths of Babes'....
Thanks for this excellent contribution, and have a Kick Ass Week-End...G

Monkey Man said...

Wow. That last one was amazing. Thanks for sharing this slice of your life. Great inspiration for a 55. My 55 is also up.

Birdie said...

Chris, I'm happy with you :-) have a great and even better w-e :-))

John (@bookdreamer) said...

Enables you to still catch a glimpse of your mother. See if you can spot the lyrics in my 55 words

the walking man said...

Out of the darkness comes the light.

Linda Bob Grifins Korbetis Hall said...

how cool for you to find humor in your mom,
and feel happy about life.

cheerful 55.
I like it very much!

mine is up!

Yvonne Osborne said...

I like this....rising from the dust of herself. Every moment is precious, and I'm glad you had this moment.

Dulçe ♥ said...

Oh this is a lovely tribute
Brilliant 55
xo
Dulce

Dianne said...

Chris, I have a best friend who's mom died yesterday, and a sister in law who's mom is dying this week. I dedicated my 55 to them and your mom. Although you are not in need of water, it sounds like the floods have cleared and there's enough mud to prevent a drought!
Di

Anonymous said...

I'm glad that there's a light side to things at times and that you're able to spend this time with her. Great 55. Mine's up as well at http://bit.ly/8dt963. Have a great weekend!

Jessie said...

a touching tribute to your mom. a realistic scene of the disease.

Woman in a Window said...

god love her!

I don't mean to minimize your struggles, but my god, I'd like to adopt her.

xo
erin

Helen said...

I'm typing this comment with a huge smile on my face .... my Mother said some of the most priceless things ever as she journeyed through Alzheimer's. Up to the weeks before she passed away she could make me laugh.

RNSANE said...

One day at a time, right, Chris? I'm glad your mom had a good day which, of course, makes your day better! My mom continues about the same. She doesn't know my brother when he visits but, at least, she is eating better and has gained a few pounds. We take every little gain and are grateful for it.

CiCi said...

Great post. I can picture your mom with her hands opening like a flower. Hugs to you and your mom.

hope said...

I've felt kinda crappy this week but after your Mom's "better than eating dirt!", I laughed out loud. Thanks...and give her a hug from me. :)

joanna said...

My kind of poet --
"better then eating dirt" your mother certainly has a great sense of humor. A Will Rodgers sense of humor--

Wonderful day when you can converse with the real Mom,
Enjoy your week end my dear and all the joys it brings.
Joanny

Larry said...

God bless our moms . Mom isn't talking a lot these days and when she does it's usually not very nice when she does say something. I still wonder what we are going to do when she passes on i mean she's been the one in and around us all our lives how does one let go of the physical Mom I will always have the memories but won't always have the physical no more holding her hand no more brushing her hair no more laughter I just remember what the great almighty promises death will be no more nor will there be pain any more nor out cry anymore. I know I'll see her again.


Old Time cartoons


Written By Larry Moon.

Magpie said...

I am so glad there is a lightness in both you and your mother. Such a renewal and rebirth...sometimes a very difficult process.

Julie said...

This 55 is so beautiful! And what a beautiful woman. "Better than eating dirt" is awesome. I will remember that line the next time I'm feeling low. I'm so happy for the good day you both had.

e said...

Hugs to you both...this is a lovely 55 and I'm glad the clouds have lifted.