Mother's Day

Mother's day this year was quite different and memorable from previous years. After sacrament on Sunday, my family and I went over to Legacy House to visit my mom. I felt so bad as she walked into her room. She was crying, feeling like she made a mistake or messed-up. I tried to comfort her and let her know that everything was fine. Mike and Jess showed up shortly after. As soon as Chloe came into the room, my mom's face lit up extensively. She loves her grandchild with all of her heart and loves every minute that she gets to spend with her. I don't think anyone can make my mom happy in the way that Chloe does at this time. 

Earlier on in the week, I had made a shadowbox for mom to commemorate her life. 

She was really happy about it. 

 With all of those memories in front of her, she started telling stories from her past. Sometimes her sentences weren't really fluid, but that's okay.

The hardest part about putting the shadowbox together, was the sentimental aspect. There were moments where I couldn't help cry. I miss my mom's personality, the one I grew up with. Now, my mom is quite the mother. She would wake up at 6 am to get ready for work and get the kids going for school. She'd be at work by 7/7:30, get off at 5 or 6 and then take care of the kids, making sure we did our homework, pay the bills and whatever else needed to get done. She'd be the last one to go to bed, sometimes at midnight/1 am. She put all of her time into her family and helping to provide for them. She loves teasing those around her whether she knows them well or not, neighbors, friends, acquaintances, even my dates that would come to pick me up.  She was the kind of person who could talk to anyone, about anything, at any given time. It didn't matter who you were or where you came from, she could have you laughing within minutes. This challenging time began about 5 years ago, when my mom's mental health started to deteriorate with Alzheimer's Disease. She's only 57 years old! That's young! It's a scary time for my family, but I know that she'll be okay. Oddly enough, it's also drawing my family closer together. 

She grew up traveling around with her family with her dad in the Air Force. She then joined the Air Force, traveling to various states and countries such as: Greece, Germany, Japan, Korea and Canada. She became a captain as well. She loved to go horseback riding, bowling, photography, softball, volleyball, ride her motorcycle and go camping. She loves dark chocolate and coca-cola. She also got a graphic engineering Bachelor's degree from BYU. She was quite the woman.

 I love my mom and it's heartbreaking for me to watch her go through this. I feel like I'm going to lose her soon. And I still need her in my life. I want her to see my children before she returns home. And truthfully, she might not be able to. 

The fun part about Mother's Day, is we celebrated Chloe's 1st birthday. She got her very own cake. It was probably the messiest thing she's ever eaten.

 Her dad smashed her face into the cake. She screamed a little bit, but she was fine.

 I don't think she likes sugar. The frosting is the best part! She loves vegetables though. What a food palette baby! :)

It was a great day with Mom and Chloe.
Happy Mother's Day Mom! We LOVE YOU!