Mom's 80th Birthday April 7th, 2009

In November 2002, my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Her nurses tell me she barely speaks and never laughs until I come to see her. Medically, I don't know how to describe this phenomenon but as non-present as she is most of the time, there's a pleasure center that is still alive! Maybe a certain presence/person can trigger or evoke an emotion you thought buried forever. It makes me think that although we all have strong survival instincts we also have an innate ability to experience that which made us happy. As though, it's with us until the very end. I wish I could explain it -- it sure makes me happy to see her laugh and be in the present. It's extraordinary that the ability to "come back" to life is within us. There's surely a medical explanation. I doubt we have a description for it in the English language. I'm just so glad I get to see my mom laugh like nothing was ever wrong and she will go on and on forever smiling.

Category:

Comedy

Tags:

• Mom
• Birthday
• Alzheimer's
• 80th
• daughter
• best
• friend
• favorite
• laughing
• smiling
• living
• alive
• hilarious

[tomoboy1969]

Your mom is a pure tonic for anyone who has Alzheimer's. Because of her strength, she laughs when you arrive. Maybe it's the strong bond that both of you have makes your mom laugh!

[sukeyhawk]

Your comment means a lot to me. I don't even know that she knows my name but it amazes me she giggles and I remind her of fun. It makes my day every time I see her.

[mayssa4lebanon]

how is your mom doing ?

[sukeyhawk]

I just saw her and she's doing really well. She is one strong woman fortunately!  Thanks for asking.

[Kumkol1123]

Happy Birthday mom!!! great laugh!!

[sukeyhawk]

I'm so glad it made you laugh! Thanks.

[sukeyhawk]

Love does heal, doesn't it! Thank you.

[ButtercupTwinkle]

This is so sweet!!! Love heals!

[sukeyhawk]

Thank you so much! That's very sweet!

[sukeyhawk]

Thank you so much. I agree. It was great to see her laugh.