2017
I received a phone call from the senior center informing me that my mother would no longer be able to use the Senior bus that picked members up at their homes for special events and field trips. She had wandered away from the group and solicited a ride from a complete stranger. Fortunately it was a kind stranger who drove her safely home. She had no memory of the event.

I contacted assisted living facilities in the area and was surprised to find how many there were and selected one that was specifically designed for Alzheimer patients. We selected Maplewood of Twinsburg. I wanted a place that was beautiful and had programs that would stimulate her mind. The close proximity to our Twinsburg home was a bonus. It was expensive, but with her monthly pension, social security, and long term insurance we could handle it. 

The next time she had bladder surgery planned, we made arrangements for her to go directly from the hospital to her new home. I was pleasantly surprised how accepting of the change she was. She actually seemed relieved not to have to struggle anymore with finances, the mess of her home, and the loneliness of her life with old friend after friend dying or not remembering her. 

Her cancer advanced rapidly that last year, but she remarkably kept cheerful up to the very end. My one consolation is that our relationship was the best it had been in many years during her final months and she was happy.

Mother's Day 2017