Bright Spots on the Journey

Mom and I were driving to Austin (2003) to see Nancy. I helped her out of hte car on NacoPerrin where we saw this lovely patch of bluebonnets. It was really hard for her to get up from sitting on the curb by the side of the road!!!
Below, in 2004, who enjoys a Grandmother cake more than Mom?

Enjoying hot chocolate on a cold day in Austin

What woman was ever adored more?


For a very long time, Mom enjoyed looking at pictures of days gone by. This album is from their early marriage, but she also liked the 50th anniversary album, and all the pictures of children and grandchildren that were sent to her.

I am not much of a pianist, but Mom never seemed to notice. She loved to hear music, especially the old hymns.


Who likes banana pudding? I loved how Mom could so thoroughly enjoy simple things, even as her illness progressed.


In 2005, when M&D moved to Merrill Gardens, Mom's illness seemed to begin to settle into a confused contentment. If I must be confused someday, I pray it will be a confused contentment!


A fancy, new walker increased Mom's mobility. Again here, I can see the pleasure in simple things.


Dad's faithfulness and undying affection spoke volumes. Here is Mom during her brief stay at Barton House.


And how in the world did we find the blessing of Grace House? Mom and Dad together again, no worries about how much care Mom would need. She would not need to move again, and they could be together. Below, Mom still enjoys the family albums, though she no longer talks.




In 2006, we went took M&D to the other Grace House, and Michelle played piano while we all sang. Mom had been mostly silent at that point, but she tried to sing along on "Jesus Loves Me." We knew we had connected with something deep within!