Well, the snow is coming down at a steady rate as I look out mom's window.  I think someone switched the lyrics from " I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas" to "I'm Dreaming of a White Easter."  Not funny!  However, today I am grateful to be sitting in mom's room where it is cozy and warm.  She is napping after a very big lunch.  She had ice cream for dessert and then said, " How about a piece of Spice Cake?"  I was a bit surprised and said, " How about if we have a piece later with a cup of coffee in your room?"  She was agreeable to this, however, I am hoping she doesn't remember as I forgot to save a piece of cake!!! Oops!  

We had a great St. Patrick's Day party for mom.  It was fun to see people gather round.  We had fun treats and Irish music!  My friend, Lynn , from Princeton and her friend Jane joined us with violin and ukulele!  The choir was a bit lacking in tune,  but we had spirit!  Mom even enjoyed a beer.  Her room is adorned with St. Patrick Day decor and your cards and good wishes are wonderful to have.  Thank you!   

When I visit mom it's usually only for 30-60 minutes.  Today has been nice to sit for a longer period of time.  It really is a pretty peaceful place.  If I didn't have to think about how much it costs, I would probably feel more at peace and enjoy it a bit more!  I have said before, but I'll share again that it feels like a bit of a bubble or cocoon.  I feel like life stands still while here.  There's something really lovely about that. 

The floor she is now on has a mix of people in for a short stay for rehab as well as those , like mom, in long term care.  It wasn't too many years ago that mom was here for rehab for her knee replacement.  How I wish for those days again!  I would come for lunch or dinner and the table would be full of chatter as mom shared in conversation with the others.  Nowadays she is quite quiet  and doesn't say much.   Today she is especially quiet. 

Maybe it's the snow or just sitting in the quiet, but  I am remembering how mom sat vigil with my brother Pat during his bone marrow transplant in 1986.  I am guessing she tended to him like we are tending to her.  She always gave him the food he craved, communicated with people about how he was doing, entertained visitors, made sure he was comfortable and drank Manhattans as needed!  I'm struck by how we wanted to extend Pat's stay with us so badly and now we are so wanting mom to "go to the light...."  As Simeon said,          "Now let your servant go in peace."    She has done her work here and deserves to rest.  She keeps saying, "I'm so tired."  Thinking to all that she has been through, I'd be tired too.  But here we are.  

I can't believe we are here for another Holy Week and Easter.  If you will recall when I told her we were going to Easter Mass last year she responded, " Do I have to ? "  :)  We haven't talked about this year yet.  

Hoping your Easter is a good one and you see more green than white!

Thanks for your prayers and thoughts.  Keep them coming! 

Blessings-

Molly