My Gift

Mom is doing better than I would have expected of her at 5 1/2 weeks after my dad's death.  Today I went with her as she visited the care center where my dad lived his last year.  I have no strong emotions about the place, but Mom was there two times a day for over a year.  The love of her life was there, and she also bonded with nurses, aides, and other residents.  It was hard for her to go back there today, but I think it was good.  In less than an hour, she got at least a week's worth of hugs and good wishes.

There are two young men who work as aides at the care center, and they are the epitome of kindness and compassion.  How does a 20-something year old do that?  I was not so mature...  Each of their hearts is bigger than this world.  I wish that their salaries were at least twice what they're making.  Not only do they do the hard work to earn that, but in my dream world, the good guys would at least make a nice living wage. 

After we visited the care center, we drove to the city's senior center for our first Sit and Stay Fit class.  I know... you don't think I'm old enough to be able to participate in senior classes.  (Snicker)  Well, this place has a low bar for considering anyone old enough to partake in its offerings. In fact, years ago, I took the yoga class they offered.  Just like in this class today, in the yoga class, I was at least 20 years younger than the next youngest participant..  And that class beat my butt!

The Sit and Stay fit class is not a challenge for me, but next time, I'll know to get the strongest bands and some heavier hand weights so I can spice things up a little.  I will stick with this, because this class is a gift to my mom.  Twice a week, we will go mingle with THE SWEETEST ladies and get ourselves A-MOVIN'!

And if Mom complains about this exercising, I'll tell her she can drop it if she will replace it with a woodworking or computer class.  That oughta get her excited for a bicep workout.