Reflections on a Sunday Morning

This morning after my morning yoga, I wanted to sit & have a cup of coffee and talk with my mom. Talk with her about me turning 50 this year, about my plans to go to Paris & London, about why I'm obsessed with photographing flowers.

I wanted to ask her what it was like when she turned 50 - did she feel like she did 20 or so years ago like I do? What advice would she give me. Even in her haze of confusion and her dwindling dementia brain, she was always able to give me wise advice. Always able to give me altitude over any situation. Always made me laugh - always.

So this morning I sat on my balcony with my fruit and granola and tea and asked her those questions. I could hear her say "You're so smart Christine. You'll know what to do when the time comes. Don't worry about what other people think - stay true to you." And then she would give me a hug and say something silly or suggest we get ice cream. She believed in the healing power of laughter and sharing time together.

I'm grateful for what Alzheimer's showed me - love and laughter can cure anything. And there is always a way to connect with someone - sometimes it's just not what I'm used to. In those gifted two months I had of working on a job so near her, I learned that just sitting with someone is enough. Sharing a meal together, perhaps singing a song, working on a crossword puzzle is more fun than going somewhere super cool.

These were my thoughts while I sat on my balcony finishing my tea.

I want to share with you all a project I have the privilege to be a part of The Genius of Caring -www.geniusofcaring.com - an interactive story sharing project - you can share your story and connect with others who are touched by Alzheimer's and other caregiving intensive diseases. Also, you can join the conversation at www.geniusofcaring.com/conversations.  Happy Sunday and Happy National Ice Cream Day!