I stopped by to visit Mom today. I picked up a bouquet of flowers on the way because I was feeling a little guilty. I have been working a lot of hours and hadn't seen or spoken to her in a couple days. I just popped in. She immediately put the flowers in a vase, and we chatted about nothing.
She showed me a new collage of family photos she just put together, and I hung it for her. Then as I sat and watched her walk back and forth across her little studio apartment I thought....hmmmm, she's getting around better. But I didn't say anything. Last week she was very unsteady on her feet; so much so that I really was concerned about falls, which she does often and well.
Today she seemed much better. She mentioned she has gone to a couple exercise classes and yesterday even got into the pool. These are things I have been trying for six months to get her to do. The classes went well; treadmill, light weights, etc. The pool.....not so much. She nearly drowned herself!
Let me say that Mom is the #1 most uncoordinated person on earth. Seriously. Just take my word for it. Apparently yesterday in the pool she lost her footing and just kept goin' under. Funny now 'cause she's okay. Apparently a man at the other end of the pool saw what was going on and grabbed her and got her out. "Couldn't you just stand up, Mom? The pool is only 3 feet deep." I suggested maybe she not go in when it's Free Swim and only when there's some class or other people nearby.
As we talked, with a glass of water in her hand, she just STOOD UP off her couch. She wasn't holding onto the arm or anything, just stood up. I noticed immediately; it took her a couple seconds to register what she'd done. Then she sat down! And got back up. Then sat down and got back up with a big smile on her face.
Lately it takes three men and a boy to haul her out of a chair or the car. Then she has to stand for a bit before she starts to walk. It's scary to watch. I said "That's what I've been trying to tell you. If you'd do that ten times twice a day, you'd get stronger." The way she's been going, I'm afraid she's going to be in a wheelchair in six months. I figure it's downhill from there.
She agreed she'd keep going to exercise and maybe get back in the pool again. She mentioned the spa at the pool that Vito was trying to get her to go into. (Vito? Who's Vito?) I just said, Don't do it, Mom, it's like a warm toilet. She promised she wouldn't.
Today, I felt such a sense of relief thinking that maybe she's not in a downward spiral. Scary thought.....I'm only 22 years behind her. You know what I always say....Rest is rust.
She showed me a new collage of family photos she just put together, and I hung it for her. Then as I sat and watched her walk back and forth across her little studio apartment I thought....hmmmm, she's getting around better. But I didn't say anything. Last week she was very unsteady on her feet; so much so that I really was concerned about falls, which she does often and well.
Today she seemed much better. She mentioned she has gone to a couple exercise classes and yesterday even got into the pool. These are things I have been trying for six months to get her to do. The classes went well; treadmill, light weights, etc. The pool.....not so much. She nearly drowned herself!
Let me say that Mom is the #1 most uncoordinated person on earth. Seriously. Just take my word for it. Apparently yesterday in the pool she lost her footing and just kept goin' under. Funny now 'cause she's okay. Apparently a man at the other end of the pool saw what was going on and grabbed her and got her out. "Couldn't you just stand up, Mom? The pool is only 3 feet deep." I suggested maybe she not go in when it's Free Swim and only when there's some class or other people nearby.
As we talked, with a glass of water in her hand, she just STOOD UP off her couch. She wasn't holding onto the arm or anything, just stood up. I noticed immediately; it took her a couple seconds to register what she'd done. Then she sat down! And got back up. Then sat down and got back up with a big smile on her face.
Lately it takes three men and a boy to haul her out of a chair or the car. Then she has to stand for a bit before she starts to walk. It's scary to watch. I said "That's what I've been trying to tell you. If you'd do that ten times twice a day, you'd get stronger." The way she's been going, I'm afraid she's going to be in a wheelchair in six months. I figure it's downhill from there.
She agreed she'd keep going to exercise and maybe get back in the pool again. She mentioned the spa at the pool that Vito was trying to get her to go into. (Vito? Who's Vito?) I just said, Don't do it, Mom, it's like a warm toilet. She promised she wouldn't.
Today, I felt such a sense of relief thinking that maybe she's not in a downward spiral. Scary thought.....I'm only 22 years behind her. You know what I always say....Rest is rust.
27 comments:
Sandy, I have similar conversations with my parents, I just worry so much about a fall or something. My parents are 81 and 84 and they are in good shape in some ways, and not so good in many others.
I share your concerns, but I'm so glad to hear about your mom's progress, well except for Vito and the spa pool....lol!
I think it's amazing what a difference the exercise has made. I need both arms to get out of a chair (maybe I should give exercise a try....nah..).
I am printing this off for my aunt. Except I'd be happy if she had a Vito (so Mama likes the Italians, too, eh?) I'm so glad to hear she's doing such positive things and making such obvious progress - and so quickly!
Sandy,
I laughed all the way through (except the part where your mom went under of course). I agree with you that you should keep encouraging mom to keep moving! It is scary to see our parents age but exercising and staying connected and engaged is, I think, the key to doing it well.
Sandy (no longer a lurker!)
That's great that she's getting around better. We worry so much about our parents. She sounds like my mom when it comes to the pool. Too funny! Thanks for the well wishes!
Hopefully Vito, or should I say The Godfather, will spur her to exercise more and help her get stronger.
Sandy,I love you for the humour u make in the most emotional things even.
I loved 'my mom is the #1 most uncordinated person on earth'!!
Keep writing and drop by whenever u can.
Wow! That's so great that she's doing better after just a little bit of exercise. Hopefully, she'll be inspired to keep it up. Vito, huh? Your mom sure doesn't lack for male attention. Lucky her!
Touching and funny at the same time. Vito? haha.
My mom fell and has never been the same since...scares me a lot because I fall a lot. Your relationship with your mother seems so wonderful. You take good care of her. :)
good for mom! I like that quote "Rest is Rust" So true
It's good that she's getting better. Hopefully that will help hold off the inevitable.
Hi Sandy,
I hope your Mom continues to do very well. That sounds great that she is doing some light excersising. That was sweet of you to bring her flowers. I know she appreciates your visits very much.
It has been so hard the last few months with my Dad. He'll be 72 in a few months. He has prostate cancer (twice) and has just been diagnosed with the beginnings of Alzheimers and neuropathy in his legs. He's not walking well at all now. My Mom and sister help him everyday. It's so hard for me because we are a military family and live in NC. They are all in Florida. Sigh....I can't believe my parents are aging so fast now. It's scary and sad to me. I feel helpless. Anyway sorry I spilled my feelings out so much here. I don't mention it on my blog at all and just felt like saying it. Thanks for reading my comment and for your kind comment on our garage floor. My hubby did a great job on it. We're thrilled!
Have a wonderful day!
~Blessings my friend, ~Melissa :)
PS You're always welcome to follow along on my blog and come by anytime. I'll do the same. :)
Dormancy is delapidation.
This is wonderful news and a load off your mind, I'm sure.
Yay Mom.
My Dad is 86 and lives alone in Florida. My sister lives near him but they seldom visit. I wish I lived closer. I love him so much.
I don't want to grow old yet at 57 I feel really old. How will I ever make it to 86 like my Dad! Help!
That's so awesome. I have to get my mom on a stand up, sit down exercise regimen like that.
I would love to have my mother in law read your post because Lord knows she rarely listens to my husband or me! It is so hard to watch our parents age.
It sounds like your Mom, despite maybe having some physical challenges, is still a little firecracker!!! :-)
I'm glad to hear that your mom is showing improvement. It's hard to watch our loved ones age. You are more than welcome to come and follow my blog. We LOVE followers :)
Hope things continue on the up with your mom!
Thanks for coming by my SITS Featured blog today!
I think you are an awesome daughter. It's hard when the child becomes the adult -- but keep pushing the exercise. It really makes a HUGE difference later in life.
So many of us are in the same place with our parents. Getting them to keep moving and exercising is frustrating, yet helps them so.
How lucky you are to have your mom so close. Mine is so far away.
It's great that you have the kind of relationship with your mom that you can chat about health and exercise. It sounds like she's getting a spring back in her step! :)
its lovely that you have a great relationship with your mom. i dont know what i would do without mine!
Hello Sandy - I too hope your mom continues to improve, my nan went to exercise classes and the difference it made was amazing.
I would be curious about this Vito though :)
Take care,
Sandy.
You know what scares me? I do this kind of stuff and I am 25 with 4 years experience! ;) Not saying I am young or anything, but you know what I mean!
I might have to challenge your mother on who the clumsiest person in the world is, cause I could've sworn it was me! LOL! I fell in love with your sweet mother just after reading this post. I am SO very happy for her that she's starting to do much better!
Stopping by from SITS! I love your blog -
Love,
Taryn
Vito, huh? I am sure a million questions popped in your head!!
You might want to keep an eye out on Vito! LOL
You are so lucky to still have your Mom to hang out with! Count your blessings, chica. I lost my Mom 3 years ago. I miss her every single day...
I want to know about Vito too -- perhaps he's the reason there's so much exercising going on... oh I love the secret love affairs of the over-70s!
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