a little hope

Yesterday, after work, I ran up to visit Mom. She wasn't in her room. I found her reading the newspapers in the resident's kitchen. She was in a good mood and glad to receive more Christmas cards. (Unaware that I had brought them.)

I have mentioned before, all traffic passes by the kitchen, so we usually see lots of folks. It has nice big picture windows into the hall and out into the courtyard. B_ went by with her walker. Mom waved and smiled at B_. "That's my friend, we do puzzles together."

I was in delightful shock. The little me inside was doing a happy-dance! She had smiled, waved, and used the word "friend".
These people who were "the patients" and "old drooly people" last month, were now becoming "friends".

We left the kitchen for the late afternoon activity in another room. I followed Mom in. Before we found a chair, she stopped and spoke to the group gathered there. "I'd like you all to meet my daughter."
omg!!! THIS was my social, friendly, outgoing Mother. Here she was, introducing me to "her" group. I could feel it in her tone of voice and in her manner. She was finally feeling like a part of her new neighborhood. The little me inside was happy-dancing all over the place!

I know she still doesn't know what season it is, I know she is still wearing the same clothes over and over. (The staff said they do steal and wash them.) I know she still feels lost and lonely. But, today was a good day, a very good day.