The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Caring for Mother

Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher-Owner

5 May 2004

I went to the nursing home Monday at lunch time, and as the staff set down my mother's dinner tray, I observed how carefully they had prepared the food for her to eat.

There was a delicious pork chop cut from the bone and carefully ground so she could taste, but also swallow without fear of choking.

Her favorite tomatoes, and scalloped potatoes, a biscuit buttered, some coffee, milk and fruit drink all were there if only she could feed herself.

I looked around at nurses and aides who patiently and lovingly cared for my mother and the many loved ones of others and I said a small prayer for these angels of mercy.

My mother smiled at me as I took over the aides job that day of feeding my mother. I am not sure if mother quite knew who I was, but she held my hand tightly as I fed her each bite of that carefully prepared meal.

I thought about how many times she had fed me when I was too young to feed myself. I thought of how much she had cared for me over the years and in my toddler years.

As a baby, I, too, did not understand who she was or of my own weaknesses as a child but I had complete trust.

It seems that we have traded places, and all at once, she has faith in me. Mothers (and fathers) are gone too quickly. Take time to hold their hands, to visit, to share or surprise them. But, if they are too far away or in a nursing home, be sure to thank God for the loving people who make their lives better, when you can't be around. God bless each one!