My mother has Alzheimer’s disease. She lives in an assisted living residence and is quite content there. In fact, so much so, that it’s hard to get her to leave her ‘known’ environment. When we do go out, she generally doesn’t like to be gone for too long…maybe four or five hours maximum.
Additionally, while in theory, taking Mom to a movie or other form of entertainment seems like a great idea to offer some diversity, the disease has created a situation where she doesn’t seem to have the attention span for it.
So, with Mother’s Day rolling around, I was struggling to find something I could ‘give’ to Mom to honor her on Mother’s special day. As a daughter of the depression, Mom hates to have people spend money for flowers for her; and in her late eighties, she doesn’t really like new clothes, jewelry or knickknacks for her room. She likes the same clothes she’s been wearing for years, has never been much for wearing jewelry, and doesn’t really pay too much attention to ‘stuff’ in her environment.
We talked about it and I’d throw out gift ideas and things we could do, but none of them were striking a chord…that is until I asked her if she’d like to go to Disneyland. Her eyes lit up and she said, “Disneyland. I haven’t been there in a long time.” She’s right. The last time she’d been there was when my husband and I took her about seven years ago.
I asked her if she’d like to go to Disneyland for the day and then reminded her of some of her favorite rides. She seemed kind of excited and said she’d like to go. I knew it would be a short day at the amusement park, but as I age, a short day was fine with me.
Mom normally uses a walker, but I rented her a wheelchair and we were off for our first adventure…The Tiki Room. Once the animatronic birds began to sing their staccato chorus: “In the Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Room,” Mom was singing along and clapping her hands. After that, we rode a number of rides, Pirates of the Caribbean, the Haunted Mansion, the Jungle Cruise, and yes, the Indiana Jones Adventure.
When Mom had been at Disneyland eight years earlier with my husband and I, we’d all taken our maiden voyage on the Indiana Jones ride. Mom has never been a fan of roller coasters, but she really enjoyed that jaunt, laughing the whole time. Fast-forward eight years, and she wasn’t quite as enamored.
After we got off the ride, I asked her if she liked it. “It wasn’t too bad, but I don’t think I’ll go on it again.” She did like the fact that she was ‘driving’ the jeep conveyance, and joked we’d all be killed.
We had lunch, then went over the Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters. We rode the Monorail, she drove one of the little Autopia cars (while I pressed the gas pedal), and then we went on the Disney Railroad that circles the whole park. We’d go to get on a ride and she’d say, “I’ve never been on this ride before,” even though she’d ridden them many times before.
We stopped for an ice cream and then headed over to It’s A Small World. We got in line, and suddenly, Mom was ready to go…right about at five hours. So, we got out of line and made our way back to the car and headed toward home.
We’d both had a great time – actually, I had a fabulous time. It was cool because everything was new to her.
For about a week or so, she could readily remember having gone to Disneyland and some of our adventures. Now when I ask her, sometimes she remembers and sometimes she doesn’t. But one thing for sure…I’ll never forget. It was a wonderful Mother’s Day celebration for both of us.
What a sweet story, Kathy!
Hi Lucie!
Welcome back!
Thanks. We had a great day. We shared lots of laughs.
Thanks for stopping by. Don’t be a stranger!
Such a lovely story, and you are a fabulous daughter. And you’re creating wonderful memories that you will hold dear for the rest of your life. I love the photos of your mother.
Hi Robena!
Welcome back!
I hold family very important and always have. My mom is my best friend and even now she offers wonderful advice when needed.
I wish I’d had a few more photos taken of us together.
Thanks for stopping by to comment.
Lovely. What a wonderful memory. Roben is right – you’re a fabulous daughter. I wish my dad were closer!
Hi Christine!
Welcome back!!
It is a wonderful memory. One I can hold on to, and share with her when she forgets.
I’m sure your Dad knows how much you love him.
Thanks for stopping by and visiting.
How cool Kathy, what a neat thing to do.
Hi Mike!
Welcome back!
I’m just glad I found something that she wanted to do. However, if we should happen to go again, I’ll keep her of the Indiana Jones ride!
Thanks for taking time to visit and comment today.
A day to treasure. And I feel a twinge of envy. I lost my dear mom to Alzheimers six years ago. Enjoy making special times with your lovely mom.
Hi LD!
Welcome! (I love seeing people here for the first time!)
I do treasure our time together. Sometimes we are just downright silly.
I know I will be able to hold all the memories in my heart forever – just as I’m sure you’ve done with your mother. I’m sorry for your loss. Alzheimer’s is such an insidious disease.
Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. I hope you’ll come again.
I love the pictures of grandma! I’m so happy you both had a great day together. These are the memories that will make you smile when you’re feeling down about anything. You and Grandma have always been close and I’m glad you and I are following suit. Love you both, Grandma and Mom! Smooches!
Hi Jaimie!
Welcome back!
I’m only sorry you weren’t able to go with us. I know she would have liked to have you there too.
As I’ve told you many times before, you’re my other best friend…along with my husband, Rick of course!
Smooches right back at ya!
What a beautiful gift for your mom, Kathy! You two made a very special memory that day. And even if she eventually forgets it, you will always cherish it
What a good daughter you are!
Leigh
Hi Leigh!
Welcome back!
Thank you. That’s exactly how I look at it. The good news is that she remembers the day more than she forgets.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
I love the pictures and this post. Thank you for reminding all of us what family is all about the memories that we take with us and the love that we feel for each other forever.
Hi Maria!
Welcome back!
It’s unusual that I would post two ‘family’ blogs so closely together. But my brother’s birthday and Mother’s day came so close together.
I’ll be updating the Mug Shot section of my website soon…there will be more pics.
Thanks for taking time out of your day to visit.