Monday, December 22, 2008

mosses monday XIV...

The den was toasty, as there was a fire roaring in the fireplace. The antiquated, artificial tree with the exposed, 2 foot metal pole trunk was aglow with multi-colored fairy lights and trimmed with homemade angel ornaments and thick bunches of silver tinsel. Mrs. Moss and I were in the kitchen preparing finger foods and drinks for our loved ones. 
As I stood at the sink washing out Katherine’s sippy cup, I noticed a barge traveling up the icy Ohio River. Mrs. Moss walked over to me and handed me a soda to fill Katherine’s cup. She paused next to me and joined me looking out the window.

"Isn’t George wonderful, Dani..." she asked rhetorically in her gravelly, sophisticated voice.  
I smiled in total agreement… needing no further explanation.  
She turned toward the window, pointed, and continued, “He brought me that tree all the way down here from our house for the holidays.”
My smile grew bigger. I sat down Katherine’s cup and leaned over and kissed her cheek. Just as Alzheimer’s was robbing her of her mind, God continued to fill her sweet heart to overflowing.
She continued, "I don't really like being here for the holidays, but George said it isn't time to go home just yet. I am just so happy you, John, and the ‘Sugarplum’ are here...”
We took the refreshments into the den, toasted the holiday, and prepared to leave for dinner. (I had made reservations at Hunan’s, our local Chinese bistro.)
When we arrived the hostess escorted us to our table. Mr. Moss took Mrs. Moss' coat, and John took Katherine’s and mine. As the two made their way over to hang our coats, we three girls took our seats. The restaurant was rather crowded with many familiar faces- though Mrs. Moss didn't seem to notice. Anna, the restaurant owner, brought Mr. Moss' black coffee with a straw to the table. She asked if we would be having "the regular". We all smiled and nodded, yes. Anna, returned with the rest of our drinks and let us know our soup was on its way.

As I looked around, I noticed a group of people several tables over from ours was preparing to leave. They donned their coats and headed towards our table. The foursome happened to be a few of our fellow church parishioners. After Mr. Moss stood and greeted them with a warm, southern, gentleman's, How do you do?, we all arose as well and exchanged hugs, hand-shakes, and Merry Christmas wishes.

As the couples walked away from our table, we returned to our seats. Mrs. Moss looked toward Mr. Moss and said, "George, I can't believe how many people are down here from home.”
“Mommie," Mr. Moss was having a terrible time understanding and accepting Mrs. Moss' Alzheimer's, “where do you think you are?"

I reached under the table and took Mrs. Moss' soft, warm, frail hand in mine. She smiled at him and replied, "Florida."

 ~@~ 

(to be continued...)

love and God's blessings,
dani xx

ps you will find earlier entries in ascending order on my side bar entitled, "our love story":)

15 comments:

Little Sweethearts said...

I've got goosebumps now...

L,
Tania

Amanda said...

Mrs. Moss's dementia just breaks my heart.
Such a cruel disease.
love 'n' hugs to you,
l,
Amanda x

Tabitha said...

Oh Dani ~ this post has made me feel so sad for you ~ and the Mosses ~ it is so hard when things like that happen!
love and big hugs my friend XXXXX

Molly's Mellow Moments said...

Dani...sending thoughts and love, dementia is so very cruel. You have written such a moving piece hun. :(

M x

Cheri said...

You had an amazing relationship with the Mosses. I love your stories/memories!

Cheri

Tanya said...

This made my heart sink! Alzheimer's is such a terrible disease! the relationship you had with Mosses was truly very special! Sending lots of love & big Hugs my friend :)))

love,
t. xxxxxx

Anonymous said...

Dear Dani, Your latest, really took me back to that confusing time. I sat & thought about it for a long while, and then I began remembering how George began to accept it as "normal." They were "troopers" ,the way they always adjusted to their circumstances. That was one of the things that I respected so much about them: ) xo, m

Weith Kick said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Weith Kick said...

My wife's grandma has dementia. She knows who we are and remembers us. So, we are fortunate on that end. But her short term memory is not good. The dementia started to really kick in after her husband died two years ago. She often comments that "when grandpa died he took part of me with him." Your story reminds me of this.

Shannon said...

I don't know why this makes me cry....I DON'T KNOW THE MOSS'S, but you've made me give them a place in my heart. God Love Her Mrs. Moss.....I hope she was happy in "Florida"

Anonymous said...

*sob*
Beautiful Dani, Beautiful

Heidi D said...

You are a really beautiful writer Dani. I love to read about the Moss' too. I think you should think about making a book about them.

kristen said...

Yes you are a great writer.

Merry Xmas Dani
hope you have a lovely day
L,
Kristen

SuzanSayz said...

Dani, I want you to know that the whole time I was writing my newest post on my dear friend Phyllis that I had you and your Mrs Moss in mind. I wish I was as good as you at visiting and enjoying the time you had left with those beautiful people. I really do intend to use you as an example to see Pyllis much more often.
When I grow up I hope I can be as good as you are. (Smile)

Lucy said...

Dani, What a great writer you are. You draw us all into your story with such awe and make it all come alive especially the very sad parts like today's piece. I Have heard that having a loved one with dementure is like watching them fading away right before your eyes. How very very sad. They both sound like very special people and you were so very lucky to have them in your life.
Guess what Dani? Elise shared a few of your Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Oh my goodness, there are just too delicious. Yumooo.
I wish you, John, Katherine and Maggie a very joyous and loving Christmas.
Love and hugs
Lucy XXXXOOOO