Mom and Dad, reunited

As some of you know, my mom has had a tough journey, these past few years.

She's been struggling with Dementia, and progressively getting worse. At first, we dealt with it, by having someone come in, a few days a week, and then, eventually, different people for about 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. At some point, mom's issues became pronounced enough that we moved mom home, to live with my brother.




Above, a few shots of me, mom at my wedding a few years ago!!!

Mom's are amazing my mine was a big part of bringing my wife and I together... a story for another day.

We had a traditional wedding, at your typical aquarium, complete with Greek Dancing, home made foods, fresh seafood (did I mention we were at The New England Aquarium?)

My brother and I, Christmas morning with my mom, and my Yia Yia!

Mom and my family, at a cousin's wedding.

A few years later, at a Picnic, celebrating July Fourth!

Mom and dad, and my aunts and uncles dancing at my brother's wedding.




Mom and dad, later in life, at my house.


After my brother's house, we moved mom to a memory care unit. At the time, the doctor's gave mom 6 months at best to live. Later, after two years, mom's care required much more skilled nursing, and so, 5 weeks ago, we moved mom to a skilled nursing home, about a mile from my house. For the past 5 weeks, mom's been happy, tapping her feet and dancing in her chair. Singing along to any music played for her. We celebrated her birthday on a Sunday, with her laughing and even able to say, "I love you" to both my brother and I. Two days later we had a call saying she was in some pain and discomfort. The next day we were all around her, my brother and I, and our spouses. It was an hour from her struggling to breathe. We all said a loving good bye, and my brother leaned over and told her, it's OK now. She slipped quietly soon after.


Reflecting back... we had a wonderful few years with her. Much more than the docs felt... and on that last day, mom had a hair dresser appointment. All her life, my dad, the hair dresser, always styled and cut her hair. when he passed, mom always said, no one could get it right since. I suspect, she went to find him, since no one did her hair the way he did!!!

Always, I strive to give back

To the animals and birds around me

to put more plants in than I take out

And be a good steward for the world around me!

All Photos by Bluefin Studios.