Well it has been an exciting year full of changes for my mom, Betty. The biggest change she faced was moving from her own apartment-to an assisted living facility,
She has adjusted very well! She has gained 11 pounds, eating three squares a day in the dining room with new friends. Since she sits right in front of a window, she sees some wildlife every day, as well as some pretty flowers the staff planted for the enjoyment of the residents.
Since her birthday was approaching, the family put their heads together and came up with a plan to celebrate! We chose the day and called the facility; ‘sure’ came the answer, and we were on our way!
I ordered the cake and purchased paper products and prizes. One niece planned the decorating, another the snacks and favors. My sister-in-law brought the beverages.
When the day arrived my husband and I brought the cake and stuff first. She was sitting by the window and saw me! I pretended not to see her. We went up to the activities room and set it up, re-arranging the furniture to accommodate the plan. Soon she meandered back from dinner and started asking me questions about what I was doing there! I told her that since it was D-day (it was) that vets were coming to the facility (they weren’t). She accepted that and we went into her room to chat and wait for the veterans.
Before long I heard some chatter in the other room and my husband said, “I think they are all here, why don’t you come out?”
When my mom exited through the door about 25 family members greeted her with “Happy Birthday”!! She was shocked! Lot’s of conversation with her family ensued. One after the other greeted her and had a photo taken with her. We enjoyed cake, conversation and lots of laughs watching the kids have fun with their cousins.
I gathered the children at my feet and played a game with them. They were eager to answer questions about Gram so they could win a candy prize.
Then, the best part for mom, she opened many gifts that she enjoyed and ooohed and ahhhed over. I am just so thankful to the Lord that she is still here and we were able to give her a day she will remember for a long time to come!
My brother Steve, me, and ‘the kids’; Chelsea, Nate, Kortez, Stevie, Emmy, Gabriella, Jace and Keegan
Leave a Reply