Will You Hand Me Some Tissues, Please?

                This is my third week taking my class called “Sociology of Ageism”.  It’s been an interesting class, but I have been on an emotional roller coaster with the topics this week.  Our discussion is on assisted living and long term health care and thus I’ve been reminiscing on what health care I would have liked for my mom versus what was settled for due to the expense.

                I was in tears during the lecture as more triggers reintroduced me to some painful times during my mother’s final years and how it affected each family member not only with my mom but with one another.  Whenever my instructor asked a question, I would provide an answer in lengthy detail to share the gist of what was felt – but not everything I felt.  It wasn’t until after class that I posted a second discussion for any who happen to watch the recording.  I shared three blog post links with explanations. 

The first one that I shared was the very first post my niece had written for her blog.  She explains how she and her husband (a newlywed couple) moved in with my mom and the trials they endured.  I share a post my brother had created about the tension that had been created among my mom’s caregivers (that would be her children and grandchildren) though it is a lengthy post which I forewarned the class about.  I also threw in one of my own just to add some humor.  Three different links: sweet, depressing and perhaps a quick smile.

I am now working on my assignment for financial resources for the elderly.  We are supposed to focus on Medicare as part of the assignment.  I am learning some things but I have not been able to keep my emotions out of it for the most part.  Next week will be the last week of this class.  The time has flown.

"You Ate My Road Kill" - another trigger

                I saw a boy with a "Fly Guy" book and smiled as I thought about Jenna's desire to read the book back in 2007 or 2008 (Tedd Arnold has written the "Fly Guy" series since 2005 here.

          When Jenna and I read books together, we would take turns doing the voices of different characters.  I think it was a bird that had made accusations against "fly guy" specifically saying, "You Ate My Road Kill".  Jenna thought that was the most hilarious thing.  She would have me say it for many years. 

          "Do the voice, mommy," she requested.

          I would screech in a high pitched voice, "You Ate My Road Kill". 

          She would laugh and laugh and request that I do it again.

          From that point I realized that if she was having a down day (which is rare) I could say to her (in the screechy voice, of course)  "You Ate My Road Kill" and it would change her mood.

 

          Funny how little things can trigger sweet memories.

          I read her this post and she laughed again.  That screechy voice still works.

Froot Loops and Pacifiers

                On Sunday Danny had set up the Monitor so that our Valiant class could watch "No Ordinary Shepard" here.   She passed out Bingo cards and Froot Loops to use as markers.  There were various pictures or words representing shepherds, sheep, the baby Jesus, prayer, love, peace, etc.  that would be mentioned in the video.  All that we had to do was listen and watch in order to mark.

            I smile whenever I see Froot Loops as I think to a time when I was watching my niece who would sometimes be rewarded with Cheerios.  For those of my readers who may not know,  Cheerios is like a staple of LDS parents with tykes.  The Cheerios are mostly for keeping the little ones quiet during the meetings.  Sometimes it works, but not always. 

            I did not have the Cheerios that she may have been used to, but had given her Froot Loops to tie her over.  It appeared that in her mind she was eating the most delicious Cheerios that she had ever tasted.  The actual Cheerios that she was given at Church did not measure up to the cool tasting "Cheerios"  that were in my cupboard.  Truth is, I don't even like Froot Loops.  I suppose they make an okay snack when they are dry.  But I think they are disgusting in milk as they become mushy tasteless circles surrounded by sickenly sweet blue liquid that no tastes like milk.

            I remember attending a baby shower several years ago.  One woman had brought her baby who was walking but still sucking on a pacifier.  One of the favors that each guest had been given were candies (white Lifesaver and a pink jelly bean) made into the shape of a pacifier.  They were cute. 

            I remember the baby taking the real pacifier out of her mouth and inserting the jelly bean.  Her eyes lit up.  Wow!  It was small but definitely the best tasting pacifier that she had ever had in her mouth.  So good in fact, that she wanted to share.  She kept on extending it out so that other people could have a taste.  She didn't use words yet, but I could see it in her eyes, "You've got to try this.  It is so amazing."

            I knew if I posted the bubbled syringe trigger here, I would be able to think of more triggers that make me smile.