Ebb and Flow

I am watching the winter of my mother's life. Although she seems to "come alive " in social situations,ever the bubbly soul with dry-wit one-liners,it is not always so . Tiring easily yet refusing any suggestion of slowing on her behalf,pride still lives. Increasingly insecure in new situations or unscheduled caprices,travel,so loved in the past,must be weighed against her comfort level. A dear friend's daughter gifted us with a trip to the city for a play and dinner after at a five-star restaurant . The train ride endured on the way in was a cause of fear on the way home .The loud seemingly unexplained noises and strangers,to say nothing of the streaming message board warning to report suspicious activity,did little to comfort her. The daughter,so eager to provide Mom with a memorable day,was saddened to see her fear. This is not to say that the day didn't have redeeming times for her. The play was marvelous,a classic recently revived,and Mom could be seen smiling and singing along with the familiar music.The restaurant was also a hit.The steakhouse was beautifully decorated,with skilled and attentive staff who brought the best food ever . Suddenly the little lady who balks at regular servings,made her entire entree and dessert disappear ! Perhaps the next trip will be by car(easier to control brushes with humanity) and earlier in the day.It is important to keep exposing Mom to stimulating situations...keep those brain cells busy...or the dozes in her favorite chair will increase and she will recede even more... an unacceptable alternative . A new doctor is to be seen tomorrow.Hopefully he will be "pro-active" about her health and not just another regularly scheduled pulse-taker.We need to make the most of dwindling abilities so her life is a joy to her and not a fearful burden.She is too precious not to make every effort on her behalf .