When I was a girl, I used to love watching my parents glide across the kitchen floor dancing. When we (my older sister and me) were between 9 and 12 years old, Dad would take our hands and teach us how to follow along dancing. Mom must have worked with my brother but I don’t know. He would need to recall that.
Well, Dad is no longer living, but Mom is one of the reasons we will be moving to Virginia in two short weeks! She is in assisted living in Christiansburg, VA in the memory care unit. She has a great spirit and loves everyone. She doesn’t remember how she danced with Dad. This week when I was visiting Mom in the commons area, Ellen DeGeneres came on the television. Ellen always dances at the beginning of her show. I thought it may be a spontaneous activity to get her to dance! At first she said no, then I could see a light bulb go off! She started movin’ and groovin’! She kept dancing long after I had stopped.
With Alzheimer’s, ingrained activities are the last to leave the memory. Activities such as playing the piano, playing cards, etc. are some examples. But I think that dancing was one that this week made me realize that Mom is still in there…somewhere! Hopefully we will have more visits once we get settled.
Next week, we are bringing another trailer load to the lake storage. On June 26th, the professional movers come! Our house closing (God willing!) is June 29th. We hope to leave one car in NC and fly back to sign papers in person. We want to be really sure it all comes together! Keep the good vibes coming and if you have a chance this week, Dance!!
I don't remember dancing with you Mom......but I remember alot of other good times with her (and Flo) and drinking/partying watching the Kentucky Derby. Hang in there......June 29 will be here sooner than you think!
This made me smile! We really enjoyed the visit today... thanks for having us. We hope these next two weeks go as planned :)
I have some memories of your mom dancing as well. I have a lot of memories of her, and some even more amazing ones with you. I can't began to know what it must be like for you, my thought are with you and I am so very thankful for the memories I have! Good luck on the moving and closing and it nice to have you some what closer to "home"!!