Found

Finding her felt like locating a piece of my mother, now gone. I think that emotions spilled out because I remember how my mother would faithfully send little notes to those in need, visit nursing home residents from church, and ask others about their health status when sick.There I stood, in her room, crying and hugging a beautiful Royal Park resident: Lois.

In midst of my tears, I explained how her notes deeply touched me in ways I found difficult to explain. The words, ” Miss you at the table” made me weep because I miss her at the table, too. I miss the little picnics, Bob Evans’ meals, and family dinners. Now, our table meals consist of me feeding her most of the time, encouraging her to consume the calories her frail body so desperately needs.

I somehow managed to control my emotions and discovered commonalities. Her late husband, led a church in northern Michigan, where I lived for a year when teaching. One of her sons is someone I connected with several years ago in Lafayette. But my biggest thrill was learning that she was a former third grade teacher. ” I knew it! I could tell by your handwriting and the little smiley faces that you were a teacher!” I hugged her again and knew that this short meeting would have to continue. I must hear her third grade stories!

One unexpected part of the meeting, however, was her emotion at learning that my parents will be leaving Royal Park to head to Waterford, a long- term facility with a memory care unit. She kept saying, ” This is such sad news.” I wondered if I did the right thing. She mentioned how difficult it was to see people leave the home. I wish I had thought of that part before our visit. I know how difficult it is to see friends move away. ” Please give me their address,” she implored. I promised that I would because I know I have to see her again. It needs to be part of this journey.