Happy 90th Birthday, Mom!

My mom turned 90 this spring. She has dementia, so a monster birthday party was out of the question. Instead, we threw her nine different birthday parties. One for every decade. Family and friends helped make them happen. We celebrated in smaller groups at people’s homes, on boats, in parks, restaurants and even a late night party in her room. She loved it and laughs every time I tell her she’s had nine parties. I took photos and plan to make a collage of all the festivities. Until then, I show her the pictures over and over and she finds great pleasure in that.

Although there are times mom forgets familiar things and people - she is still a joy!  She has a great sense of humor and loves to act silly.  She especially enjoys puzzles, bingo, word play and, of course, happy hour. And, she’s still interested in everyone and always up for going and doing anything, anywhere, anytime. Plus, she routinely expresses gratitude for people who help her. I know that’s not true for all who suffer from dementia.  So, we are blessed in that way.

My mom was a singer and actress in San Francisco, starring in many plays and musicals including: Once Upon a Mattress, South Pacific, The Importance of Being Ernest, Mame, The Pirates of Penzance, and Oklahoma. She also has a passion for poetry; mostly classics like Yeats, Parker, Nash, Ferlinghetti, Blake, Dickenson, and others. She loves reading it and hearing it. I call her every night and she reads to me. Interestingly enough, she can still read Shakespeare better than anyone I know! And when we change roles, and I read to her, she reminds me to slow down. Poetry is meant to be savored. I’m finding she’s still teaching me, even after all these years.