Crochet Crosses my Mother made...

 

 My mother has made some beautiful things over the years. She is an artist when it comes to doilies! I have some beauties that I will get photographed for you at some point...These she made and I use at Christmas on my musical themed Christmas tree. I love the ones with the gold edging. I found the pattern and took it to her, asking Mother if she could make some. She did. Since then she has given many as bookmarks and over the holidays as ornaments. I am not as talented at holding the tiny threads to create such beautiful items, however, I am planning to give it a go...because I love the doilies and how beautiful they are going to be in our shabby chic farm house...loving it...

One thing that has helped my mother these days is crochet. With the on set of Dementia and Alzheimer's, I try to keep her entertained by going junkin', taking her to lunch or trips to Starbucks, which has become her favorite hangout. Staying home has been a pleasure too. We cook together, while I give her the easier tasks, we still spend time in the kitchen planning and preparing the meals. I do the majority but include her at every turn. Our family is happy and positive, a home that is full of peace and joy. I can't explain why we are that way but we have never put much stock in material things or spent our time arguing or doing things that don't include others in our family. Every hobby or work environment can include the family if we so desire. We work together in comfort and hope.

Mother is happy. I can't explain it. She is. We love having her living with us. She has brought us full circle and I know these are her last days and I am so glad they will be spent with us. Having grandparents for our sons right at our door is something I remind our family not to take for granted. Jerry's parents live right next door and come and go freely and often. We love that! It is so wonderful to have this treasured time and opportunity, something I didn't grow up with and something I am so glad we have had for thirty years.

I am afraid that many are going to wonder where the time has gone. They didn't spend the time cultivating friendships and family, as our preacher said Sunday, "they are so busy getting ahead, living the American dream..." worried about self motivated things they need or want, afraid they might even "catch" something or don't agree to simply disagree and feel their opinions matter far more than what really matters. Someday it will be too late, as it already is for many, as Bro. Ben said Sunday and sadly that is true. I won't go back and change that or where I have been or where I have gone, but for some they will wish they had.

Time with my mother is vital for me. I love getting up knowing that we will spend the day doing something, never really sure what. My sons will know both our parents and Jerry's grandparents. They will be able to tell their children the stories and of the times we all had together. Life is precious, relationships are even more so. Thanks, Geoff, our dear friend, for saying so Sunday and remind us all that life is indeed precious, each and everyone of them. I am so happy that I have created a garden of beautiful friendship and relationships in my life. Here's to you...

Happy Tuesday! Hugs, Rita