Today is my mom’s 91st birthday. Due to Covid-19 I can not be with her and it stinks. There. I said it. I am not happy about not being able to be with her as you all well know. But it is where we are at in this phase of our ongoing pandemic where the numbers are still of grave concern.
As I was thinking about writing this post I must admit I got a little bit choked up. My mom was always there for me. Birthdays were a big deal. After my dad died in 1994 it became very clear to me that losing a parent is one of the most difficult things a person can experience and I made it my mission in life to be there for my mom as much as I could be. I haven’t always been able to do that as much as I wished but I have tried.
The pandemic has affected everyone in so many ways but for those in nursing homes and care facilities it has been a nightmare. My mom’s dementia may be a blessing during times like this but I wonder how much she understands about why her family is not visiting. My brother and sister in law have been able to have outside visits with her and I am so grateful for that. As I write this her residence is shut down to visitation once again due to one positive case. So even if I could go see her I couldn’t.
So today instead I will reminisce about some of our fun times together. The ones when I was little and the ones when I was older. I will never forget that when we had Micah we did not want anyone to come stay with us. We wanted to do it on our own. But three weeks later when I really needed someone to come help my mom was on a plane without any questions. When Chris called her she dropped everything and came. That, my friends, is the unconditional love of a mother.
My last visit with her was on Valentine’s Day and I remember we laughed and looked at pictures. Even though she was a little fuzzy at times on who I was she still projected that fierce independence that I admire even if at sometimes it makes for a risky situation. She can still find humor in things and that is one thing that I absolutely love –she still has the ability to laugh at things.
Today her unit will celebrate with some special cupcakes and a celebration of her. Even though I am not able to be there I hope she realizes how much I love her and miss her. Counting the days until I can travel to Ohio again. Happy number 91 to my sweet mom.
20 Comments
Leave a commentIt stinks that you can’t be with her. And this pandemic looks like it will get worse before it gets better.
Sending lots of birthday love her way. 💐
Happy BIrthday to your dear sweet mom. I know the feeling of not being able to be with your mom my friend, and I agree it stinks. A walk down memory lane is a good thing to do right now. Sending hugs. Lovely pictures too.
I love your mama and am so sad you cant be with her on her birthday. I am sending hugs and love to you all today!💜
Oh Beth Ann! Thanks for sharing your Mom with us. I love these posts about you and her. Happy Birthday to her and I hope you can give her a real hug soon!
Happy Birthday to your mom! I know she can feel all of your love.
It’s hard to know how to encourage you my dear. I’m so sad that you still can’t visit but it’s not for lack of wanting to be there. So many seniors have no one even missing visiting them. Your sweet mom always looks well cared for and that is a blessing. Thank you for sharing about her here! God bless her on her birthday!
Heartbreaking. The pandemic is stealing our most precious thing, time with our loved ones. We can’t ever get that back. I can see your mom’s youger self in her face, still. She’s very very beautiful. I hope you can get there soon, even if it’s only an outside visit.
Happy Birthday to your dear sweet mom. I’m so sorry you are not able to be with her. You brought tears to my eyes. Hugs!
Happy Birthday to your sweet Mom. It sucks and I’m sorry that you can’t be with her! Perhaps you could light a candle, sing, and enjoy your a cupcake in spirit!
Hugging you my dear friend. This is hard and I pray for God to bless you and you mom today.
A special lady and her family. They have a special place in our hearts. Love and prayers to all.
Oh, Beth Ann, I am crying as I write…because of the love you hold for your mom and she for you. Because of the ache of missing her. Of the challenges of these times. I empathize. I understand. And I’m sorry. But happy birthday to your dear, sweet mama!
Happy Birthday to your beautiful sweet Mom. My heart is hurting for you my friend, I know it has to be so hard.. I know your good memories will give you peace. I love all the pictures of your Mom but the picture of your Mom as a young woman is so beautiful. Sending many hugs and love…
Happy Birthday to your mom! She looks healthy and happy! But I know she will be even happier when you can get there!
Ah what a beautiful photo of her younger self! I now know 3 people with birthdays today – your Mom, Jen Baldwin & Rebecca at the yarn store! It must be terrible for you. I can’t imagine not having been able to be there for my Mom when she was sick. Hopefully, you will be able to go soon!
Despite all that has gone on, your Mom is still incredibly beautiful.
You are so sweet and I agree. She still has a beautiful smile!
You are right — it stinks! My heart just aches for you, your mom, and family and all of those in care facilities who can’t spend time with their loved ones. Your mom is well cared for, that’s for certain. And I bet she had a nice birthday. Maybe it’s really a blessing that she has dementia during this time so she doesn’t know how much she misses her family? No matter what, God has His loving hand on her and you. <3
Happy Birthday to your Mom! And prayers for when you’ll be able to hug her once again!
Oh how could I forget your Mum’s birthday? Hugs and birthday wishes to her from the other side of the world.