Taking care of Mary

Around Christmas time two years ago, my mom spoke to me about helping out my neighbor Al’s mom Mary. They are like family to us. We have known them for many years since we moved to Rhode Island. She was 99 years old at the time! I know, she was old but an amazing women. As with age, she couldn’t take care of herself, even though she was very independent. She was still able to walk, but still needed some help getting up in the morning, eating, and going to bed.

An Opportunity to Serve

Taking care of Mary was a lot of fun! It wasn’t easy all the time, but it was definitely worth it. I would go in the morning and wake her up. I would change her and bathe her from her bed. I would prepare her oatmeal and feed her. Then, I would change her sheets and talk with her. Because she would sit down most of the day, I would make her get up and walk back and forth with her walker. As she would walk I remember her dancing along. She loved to dance when she was younger, and just because she was getting older, that didn’t stop her from singing and dancing anyway. She had a great spirit. Then, I would go to work. When I was done, I would come back, and put her to bed. I would change her clothes for bed. Although, she wouldn’t want to go to bed right away sometimes, I would remind her that she needs her rest. Then, I would go home, and return the next day and continue the same routine.

Time flies by when you love what you’re doing

I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to take care of Mary until the day she passed away. She has blessed me more than she will ever know. It was great to forget my worries when I would see her, and just to smile when I was around her. I love her dearly. She has taught me to love others no matter what, without judging them. She taught me to always smile and to dance. One of her favorite songs was: You are my sunshine. She would always sing this part. “You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy when skies are gray. You never know dear, how much I love you. Please don’t take my sunshine away.” I will never forget her smile, and how she would always smile no matter what and give me the warmest hugs. She was like a grandmother to me, and I miss her so much.

Blessings

In ConclusionI love and miss Mary so much! I know that I would never want to take back the time I got to spend with her. She has taught me so much, and although she passed away this year, I know that I will see her again. I have more love for the elderly, and I know that without her I would not have my heart grow more with love for my fellow loved ones. I love you my Mary, now and always.