This was hard:
- I was scared and emotional
- I had no idea what clothes actually still fit me in my closet and now was not the time to start trying crap on
- I needed comfortable, but presentable, you know all the old biddies will show up at the hospital and you have to at least have clean hair and NOT be in sweat pants
- I wasn't sure what the weather was like in Guatemala and was too frazzled to check weather.com
- I wasn't sure how long I would be there
- I had to pack some black clothing, a dress, a skirt, a top, panty hose and shoes.
I shoved the black items in my suitcase, thinking how unreal the whole situation was. My Mom was the healthiest person I know, works out EVERYDAY, does yoga, stands on her head for 30 minutes, doesn't smoke or drink and eats super healthy....STANDS ON HER HEAD!
As soon as my mother was able to open her eyes and mouth words, she wanted to shower and shave. Now this shows you the what is truly important to ALL women. We knew this before hand and had her make up bag, her favorite scent and a tweezers at hand. I had been carrying the tweezers in my purse since day one. You see women (all women, don't you lie) get strange hairs that appear overnight. Sometimes it's just one on your chin or your neck, but that one hair will drive you BATTY.
I did not want to simply go in there and start plucking away at my mothers face when she was unconscious, but lo and behold it was her first request oce she could formulate words.
We knew she was paralyzed on her left side (her leg and arm) but we were not sure about her face, so as I am plucking the few stay hairs from the left side of her face I ask "Mommy, does that hurt?"
Her answer: OBVIOUSLY
We all bust out laughing, my middle sister comments "yeah Mom, all this waxing and shaving and plucking is a big pain!"
Mom states: but necessary!
We all laugh again, that night as we ride the elevator down to to parking garage the 3 of us make a pact: This is the 3 sisters pact
No permission is needed, I don't care what sate I am in, one of you 2 will pluck my hairs, comb my hair, slap some make up on me and make sure I am damn presentable, if only for the nurses and doctors.
You have lived through an experience that we fear regarding the mortality of our own mothers. Blessings to your Mom and Dad, you and your sisters (and extended family and friends). Despite the difficult moments, it is laughter and a good sense of humor that pulls us through tough times, my family does it and I admire that yours too!
ReplyDeleteomg, that sounds just like me! I would ask my sister to make the same pact with me but I don't even like talking about such possibilities. . hopefully she'll just know. I have now made a mental note to take care of her in this way, too.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to have a sister.... I don't. I guess I'll have to make this pact with my Baby Girl. "Honey, I don't care how sick Momma is, you better have me lookin' good."
ReplyDeleteEvery girl needs a sister or a truly strong stomached friend to tend to her vital needs in bad moments like these. I was summonsed to my sisters bedside in QLD (1000kms away) to pluck hairs that shouldnt have been growing where they were and she has saved me while sitting on the toilet being attacked by a mouse (among other horrifying situations). It's so strange, comforting and nice to know that most other sisters have the same relationships. And why is it always the healthy ones who fall first??? I just dont get it? But I bet her recovery is ten times better than the average.
ReplyDeleteMy mom and I were visiting a distant family member in the nursing home and after leaving of all the things my mother made me swear it was that I would never let her chin/lip/brow hair get that uncontrollable.
ReplyDeleteYlla, This old bitty would not have cared what clothes you arrived in, just that you were there for your mother and family. Panty hose !! Do people still wear these in the summer? Anyway, you are one brave, savvy, and beautiful lady and I love reading your blog. I am so happy that your mom is getting better..... Hang in there. Rita
ReplyDeleteI love your packing story, that is precisely how I would be in similar circumstances. Well, it would be more accurate to say that is how I was on one occasion, but at least I didn't have to wonder about the weather.
ReplyDeleteThe pact is wonderful on so many levels, most of all because of the love running underneath the story, to be sure, but also because it is such a basic wish we probably all share. Thanks for sharing it with us, we continue to keep you and Coco and your family in our thoughts and in our prayers, I'm so glad you are bringing her to Florida.
Sending you a big hug,
tp
I love your packing story, that is precisely how I would be in similar circumstances. Well, it would be more accurate to say that is how I was on one occasion, but at least I didn't have to wonder about the weather.
ReplyDeleteThe pact is wonderful on so many levels, most of all because of the love running underneath the story, to be sure, but also because it is such a basic wish we probably all share. Thanks for sharing it with us, we continue to keep you and Coco and your family in our thoughts and in our prayers, I'm so glad you are bringing her to Florida.
Sending you a big hug,
tp