My Mother's Smile

A micro message from The Farsighted Observer

The Farsighted Observer

My parents on their wedding day, circa 1940

My Mother’s Smile

My mother had a stroke in her early 70s and never fully recovered. Her last years were spent in hospitals, rehab centers, and finally, an assisted living facility.

Throughout her illness, I visited and brought my children, then around 7 and 10, as often as I could. Sometimes the visits went well and sometimes not. I never knew until I arrived what her mood would be. The kids almost always guaranteed an improvement when they came, so I brought them whenever possible.

One Saturday both kids had other plans so I came alone. My mother was distraught—I don’t remember why. It was painful to see her so unhappy and before long, I made an excuse to leave.

But when I reached the large, sliding automatic doors at the entrance, something stopped me from exiting and I turned around.

I found my mother where I left her, in front of the widescreen television in the sitting room. When she saw me, she smiled broadly.

I asked if she’d like to go for a ride. Her whole face lit up.

We drove around the neighborhood. I took her past the community where she had once lived and to some new ones nearby.

We stopped at a local deli and had lunch. I remember seeing her eyes drift past me while we were eating, and I turned to see what she was looking at.

It was a family with a baby and a little girl with a doll. I’m not sure why, but she seemed fascinated with them. Perhaps it was the contrast to what she had to look at while eating in her assisted-care home.

I promised to bring her grandchildren on my next visit, and she smiled.

That was the last visit, however.

Several days later, I received a call that my mother had a seizure and had been rushed to the emergency room. She was gone when I arrived.

To this day, to this very minute, I thank God for stopping me from leaving on that Saturday. Had I not gone back and my last memory of my mother had been one of escaping for my own comfort, I know I never would have forgiven myself.

Instead, I have the memory of her smile.

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Monthly Message in the Mail

Next week, I’ll mail out the Monthly Message in the Mail cards. (Due to the IRL expense of this format and delivery, Monthly Messages in the Mail are a paid subscriber benefit. You can opt-in monthly or annually and cancel at any time.)

May was the first month the cards were sent. I got some lovely feedback:

“Thank you for your card. It’s beautiful and so inspirational!” —Anne R.

“I had to write and tell you how much I loved the card and message you sent!” —Em J

There’s still time to get on the list for the June mailing.

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I hope this message helps to support you on your journey. Until next time…

My best, Shelley