I’ve spent quite a bit of time with Mom this week, which has meant a lot of trips to Sioux Falls. She is in the nursing home there. She will be 93 in November. The driving has given me a lot of time to think. I was thinking back when I was a kid. There were 7 of us kids at home. All meals were together. With me having 5 brothers and 1 sister, there was always someone to play with, or spend time with. We still are frequently in contact with each other. I hope my kids learn to keep staying in touch with each other over time as well. My Mom might not be able to carry on a conversation with us that she once could. But my grandson Caleb didn’t need to have a conversation. He just turned one. He just needed to be Caleb. And she smiled!
My Mom’s eyes were so focused on him. Caleb was focused on her. She was always reaching for his hand or his foot, and then she would just lightly hold on. He just giggled. Later in the day when we were talking about Caleb being there, my Mom just had a big smile on her face! For my Mom, and I am sure all moms out there, once a mom, always a mom! They never stop worrying about you. They never stop caring for you. And… they never stop loving you! Last week I talked about my grandkids being 5, 3, and 1, and looking forward to the future. This week I was looking back in time, and it brought a lot of smiles to me as well.
4 Generations were present in her room on Saturday. Last week I was looking forward–watching my grandchildren grow and thinking about wanting to remain healthy enough to be a part of their lives. This week I was looking backward. At the generation that raised me. And for one afternoon, the beginning and the later years of life were together in the same room. There are times when words matter. And there are times when they really don’t. Today, Mom smiled at her great-grandson. That was enough…
And Caleb…thank you for just being you!
Caleb by far and away is the greatest snuggler that ever existed!
I love you both so much!
Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day of Newest Streak: # 914