What an amazing account, Dee. How difficult this has been for all of you. I love the pic of Paul - you look JUST like her, and both of you have that fierce determination. Strength and courage to you all. Thank you for this telling.
I know how hard this has been for you, the shock of seeing your mother after the op and the months that followed, had left an impression on you, that I was concerned you would never be able to get through. In retrospect I don't know why I was so worried, as you are a woman who has been brought up by one of the strongest mother's on the planet. This upbringing is the basis of what and who you are. A fiercely independent, focused, realistic, fearless and passionate person who never ever ever gives up. I am so happy that you are happy with your moms progress, and that all the work you and your sister have done has finally paid off. Your mom will grow in strength and with the support she now has, I hope and pray that she will return to the person we all once knew.
Much love DDTFM x
O gosh Dawnie. Thank you for writing this - it is so beautiful. It made me cry. Mommy has loved us all our lives. Loved us more than she loved herself. We are so blessed to be filled with her love for ever. As she loves us, so we love our childfren, and they too willl also always know how they were loved by their Bubbie Pauline. A little lady who gave us all so much. Here's to her recovery and to her ongoing strength and determination. I'm not ready for her to leave us yet. Just a little more time.
Love and hugs. Your Sis, E
This is just a beautiful post, Dawn. Thanks for sharing your feelings and experiences with us! I can only imagine how hard it was to see your Mom's personality and attitude change so much. But, you are doing great with it now and I really admire you.
It is always sohard to see our parents age. My parents are still relatively young, but I have seen them struggle with near-death health issues and it's very hard to see them go through those things.
Have a fantastic day!!!
It's funny because I think its the whole emigration nightmare that has left us all holding the bag so to speak (and you know I am not calling your mom a bag - she is too much of a class act for that). IN SA she would have been set, her future taken care of as would yours. Having to divide your income by 8 kicks one in the gonads.
It takes our heart and squashes it to see these brave people, our rocks, our light, those that gave us life be turned into grumpy old people, and like watching the trials of our kids we watch our parents. Frustrated by them not listening to us as blindly as our kids have and knowing how desperately they need to listen, because they don't know anymore. The did for a long time, but not anymore.
As my dad always says, it sucks to get old. Thankfully he is relatively young, but his health issues and the amount that he relies on me is amazing - from arguing about bills to having to fight with the alarm company - it just overwhelms and frustrates him because there was a time that he could resolve everything himself and now he can't.
Beautiful post Dee for a beautiful woman who never ages, she really is an amazing lady, I hope I can age half as well and gracefully as she did but without the stubborness?
I don't see that Pauline has changed that incredibly much from her second grade picture to her 84th birthday picture. She's just as beautiful today as she was at age 7 (or 
...just like the rest of her family. Love ya!
I'm so sorry it's been so long since I've been by. You've really been through it with your mom. I can't begin to imagine what strength it's taken, but I'm thankful to see that you've come through it, and that things are getting better. It hurts so much when you see a loved one sick, who won't *accept* help that they need, and seem to give up. It's such a relief when they *finally* get/accept the help needed.
Sending lots of hugs and prayers your way-- have a safe, and blessed Easter *Hugs*
It is difficult to see your parent become different than what you are used to seeing. My grandmother is 85 and she's to a point where I don't know how hard she would fight another illness. That has been hard for my mother to accept. She was angry at her mother for not wanting to go to the doctor when she first got sick. She couldn't understand it.
I often wonder what my parents will be like in the next few years. They are already in their 60's, which is considered young these days. However, my paternal grandparents died in their 70's. That's been difficult for me to comprehend. My parents may only be around for another 5-10 years and that scares the begeesus out of me!
I pray for you and your mother! Enjoy and cherish every moment you have together! :o)
Oh Dawn! Being a care giver is incredibly hard. Being a loving care giver is only possible with divine guidance brought by an army of Angels! Never feel guilty for your anger. It does not mean you love your Mom less. It only proves how very deep and endless your love for her is. I know. As you may know, I am my aging and disabled husband's care giver. I have been deeply angry at his apparent 'giving up' when it has reared up. I have been angry - often. And I have come to recognize that anger is a precious gift - brought to me by my army of Angels! It is, and has been, a gift to both of us. For it is often the only thing that gets either of us through...
Deep and sincere and everlasting Blessings to you, Dawn.
budvo, you have to know that you are in my heart and you and yours are on my mind every day! i cannot tell you how much i wish i could pop over and give you a hug and try and make you feel better- you are so entitled to your feelings doll... don't ever feel guilty! you're allowed to be human!!!
MWA
I agree about carers being angels in our midst - my grandmother was on death's door a few weeks ago in hospital; Now she's home. The decision was to not move her to frail care; I think that would have been her end. Instead, she now has a carer to look after her in her own home, in the retirement village, and it's like she has a new lease on life.
I hope your mom is doing well, Dawn.
hey you... so strange how the tables turn... it's beautiful to see how much you love your mom... treasure every day with her ((hugs))
btw~ i know this post is already a month old, hope all is fine.
This was just beautifully written Dawn.
Hello Dawn,
I haven't stopped by in a while. I wanted to wish you and your family a happy Pesach. My heart goes out to you and the anguish you are suffering. Our mother is such an important person in our life. It is never the right time to see them age, to suffer, to lose their zest for life. It is a premonition of our own mortality. I hope you have many more special moments with your mother. Stay strong, be the constant in her life. I will be thinking of you and hoping for her well being. Big hugs to you.
Hey Dawn,
This is a really touching post. Most of us here have gone through this experience. If you'll check out our site, perhaps you can see where we women have had to band together to work on things like this. You'll just have to be strong and accept it as a way of life. Take care, and our good wishes lie with you.
Hi Dawn! Long time no see! I've settled in in Germany (well, as much as I can anyway). And I look forward to reading more of your musings. 
Gina
Miss you, Dawn!
how have you been? we miss you around here! hope all is well and hope your mother is doing good as well.
take care
Hello Dawn! Just stopping by to say hello! Hope all is well with you and your family! Happy Memorial Day! :o)
Dee, please call the vicar 619 5329494
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