Have you ever missed a family member so much that your heart seems to break away every day?
If that’s you, I feel what you are experiencing. I’m going through some emotions that I have never experienced before in my life, except on one account, and that was when my father died unexpectantly two years ago.
My mother, Essie Richard Fruge, will turn 91 years old Saturday, and this is the very first time that I cannot visit, give her a big hug, and kiss her. I can, and will be allowed to visit with her outside through a window. This is definitely not the same as face to face.
The only thing that keeps me going day after day, week after week, is that she is feeling okay, (Well, today she is).
My mom has dementia. Physically she is strong. I am happy to report that when I do get to see her she has a smile and usually laughs.
She is in a nearby living facility and seems to be okay. She has rarely complained in the last three years since she has been there. Her nurse reports that she has a healthy appetite at every meal, sleeps at night, and willingly takes all her medication.
I miss seeing my mom each week. We don’t say much to each other because of the communication gap. She talks about all kinds of different things, and most doesn’t make sense. I normally just nod, or tell her, “okay”, or sometimes, to reply to her stories, I may say, “Oh really?! I didn’t know momma.” After our visit is finished, she seems to be content.
I plan to pay a visit with her on Friday and will plan to ask her if she remembers what Nov. 21 means to her.
My mother was born on Nov. 21, 1929, in Eunice. She is a 1947 graduate of Eunice High School. She married my father Leighton Fruge on April 4, 1951.
I love, respect, admire, and think of you everyday Momma. Happy 91st birthday.