Memories of mom
Mother’s Day is the one day a year where we show our mom a little extra attention and love. We pamper and shower her in hugs, kisses and gifts, creating everlasting memories together.
But with a mom with Alzheimer’s disease, the holiday is different. My mom doesn’t remember the flowers and all the sticky crafts I gave her. She doesn’t remember the smell of breakfast and coffee lingering from the kitchen. And she doesn’t remember the cheesy Mother’s Day cards we picked out.
This Mother’s day, I will visit my mom at a nursing home. I will wear a nametag and tell her all the stories from previous Mother’s Days. I will wait for a response to my stories, knowing no words will come from her mouth, but hoping for a smile letting me know she is listening.
As I sit with my mom this year all grown up I will remember what Mother’s Day is all about, showing our moms a little extra love and attention one day a year. Although my mom won’t remember, I will.
Happy Mother’s Day Mom! I love you!
Brittany Carel, Alzheimer’s Association volunteer, Miami
This story was originally published May 7, 2016 at 5:00 PM with the headline "Memories of mom."