Perceptions

My work friend suggested that I call the nursing facility to find out if my mother had been transferred yet from the hospital.  I discovered that my father was in admissions filling out paper work and that the unit was waiting the arrival of my mother.  I got to the home in time to see the ambulance pull in.  The next few hours were confusing--trying to comfort my mother who repeated, "I'm so scared!" every minute or so.  She told me to tell her not to be scared, and so I did.  Physical therapists, nurses, hospice nurses, aides...lots of people to meet.  I had to find the call button, wipes, pantry, learn the codes to open the doors. 

This afternoon I would turn to see my mother's bright eyes looking at me.  I was perhaps 12 inches away from her.  She would comment on the people traveling up and down the hall.  We looked at pictures in a book about radio.  She knew some of the artists.  I helped her eat a a bit of dinner.
My wish for my mother is pain management so that she can regain some mobility, that she would be able to transfer from bed to wheelchair or even with the aid of a walker use the restroom.   I want her to be able to sit up and feed herself.   I would hope that she would converse with people that interest her.  So I will step back and let the people do their work.  Time will tell but I do not see a woman much different from the one that I visited two weeks ago.  She is still interested in the things around her, wants to get better.  I do not see a woman lying on a bed, waiting to die.