Susan D . Peters
My mother ’ s name is Sarah and she turned 93 in January . Her majestic face is strengthened by high , chiseled cheekbones and deeply set eyes that bestow upon her an enviable , timeless beauty . My mom , my role model , my spiritual guide , is losing her memory and the ability to process some kinds of information . It ’ s the “ A ” word .
Watching her memory decline while helping her maintain her dignity and as much independence as possible has been difficult . I have transitioned through several phases including disbelief and denial , but I recently I have decided to support my mother in a joyous way . So many of my friends have lost their mothers , I am grateful . Mother ’ s memory loss is forcing me , the family project manager and perpetual list maker , who often lives in and for the future , to cherish the precious moments we share in the present .
As if losing her memory were not enough , mom is experiencing cataracts that have claimed much of her eyesight . For several months now she sees mostly light , shadows and shapes . Her life has shrunk as the former hospice volunteer requires assistance to navigate the world outside of her home . Now her life revolves around doctor ’ s appointments , televised church services , hanging out once a week with their bowling group and running errands that I could either automate or do for them .
Independence is as necessary as oxygen to my mother , and yet she has accepted her health challenges with a grace summoned from decades of spiritual discipline . Hard core positive thinker that she is , when asked how she feels , she confidently affirms “ I am excellent !” In other words , “ The Devil IS a Liar !”
My sister Yvonne lives in St . Louis and we spend hours strategizing about ways to help mom and her equally independent husband remain in their own home . Sometimes the sheer effort required in these conversations is overwhelming yet we approach each day with love and a prayer for the grace to deal from our hearts and to find Joy in every opportunity to enhance mom ’ s life . Each time I leave mom as she closes the door behind me she chants …
The light of God surrounds you ; the love of God enfolds you ; the power of God protects you ; The presence of God watches over you ; wherever you are , God is ! How can that not bring me Joy ?
Susan D . Peters authored Sweet Liberia , Lessons from the Coal Pot , her award winning memoir . Broken Dolls is the first of the Detective Joi Sommers mystery series and her most recent book , Stolen Rainbow centers on a beautiful marine captain ’ s recovery after a devastating combat injury . Susan is a monthly contributor for Garden Spices online magazine and is currently working on her next novel . www . susandpeters . com
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