My Mom has been staying with me for almost a week now (one week to go). It is interesting to have a parent staying with you for that long. Because my Mom lives so far away, this is the only way to do things ... visit her or have her come to my house (this is much cheaper). I am quickly reminded of her ways and her habits. Some of them are not really suprising ... extreme need to CLEAN, the want to cook and feed others (she can make a mean meatball and sauce or gravy as she calls it), and her very, very predictable sayings. I would try to imitate in some way through my writing, but only my brother and little sister can do this successfully.
I have also been witness to her smoking (yuck). I feel bad sending her outside to smoke, but it is not something I want my children or myself exposed to . Our lives revolve around trying to make healthy choices ... smoking ABSOLUTELY goes against this. Mostly I just feel so sad inside. I can'thelp but to wonder if my Mom will get sick and die from this terrible habit ... via cancer, heart disease , or alzheimers (smoking ups your chances by 50%). I was embarrassed as a child to bear witness to my Mom smoking, and it still bothers me today. I've already lost my Dad ... I would like to hold onto my Mom longer.
Goodness ... this post is getting dreary.
A funny note. Growing up I ate super healthy foods. My Mother would never let us eat junk food or sugary drinks. Since my Mom has been around I have noticed her BIG TIME SWEET TOOTH. She likes her donuts and cake. Maybe this sweet tooth was always there, but I repressed those memories. Maybe just maybe, she hid her stash of goodies in a cabinet that I could not reach. Hmmmmmmmmmm ...
I do think that my Mom is having a great visit. She loves just being "around" others. Her life right now without my Dad is much quieter. Giving her a taste of crazy chaos brings a bit of joy to my heart.
I have also been witness to her smoking (yuck). I feel bad sending her outside to smoke, but it is not something I want my children or myself exposed to . Our lives revolve around trying to make healthy choices ... smoking ABSOLUTELY goes against this. Mostly I just feel so sad inside. I can'thelp but to wonder if my Mom will get sick and die from this terrible habit ... via cancer, heart disease , or alzheimers (smoking ups your chances by 50%). I was embarrassed as a child to bear witness to my Mom smoking, and it still bothers me today. I've already lost my Dad ... I would like to hold onto my Mom longer.
Goodness ... this post is getting dreary.
A funny note. Growing up I ate super healthy foods. My Mother would never let us eat junk food or sugary drinks. Since my Mom has been around I have noticed her BIG TIME SWEET TOOTH. She likes her donuts and cake. Maybe this sweet tooth was always there, but I repressed those memories. Maybe just maybe, she hid her stash of goodies in a cabinet that I could not reach. Hmmmmmmmmmm ...
I do think that my Mom is having a great visit. She loves just being "around" others. Her life right now without my Dad is much quieter. Giving her a taste of crazy chaos brings a bit of joy to my heart.
Comments
Isn't funny to look back as an adult and 'see' things you didn't see as a child.
I'm glad she is enjoying her visit. And for the sake of her health, I hope she someday decides to stop smoking.
{W}