Mom Turns 83. Alzheimer's is Full of Surprises.

Today is my mom's birthday. She is 83. I never would have DREAMED she could live to 83.

Her mother died in her early 50s from cancer. Her sister was in 70's with cancer when she died.
Her oldest brother did live into his late 90s; but he was a farmer, hunter, and very active.

My mother took a walk around the block...once in awhile. She ate greasy, fatty foods and pastries every day. Breakfast always had bacon and she smoked for over 40 years. She was diagnosed with Diabetes in her late 60s.

Mom had no friends and no social life. Her husband and only love of her life left her high and dry after 10 years of marriage at age 29.

Now Mom is in a nursing home for Alzheimer's. I called her yesterday.

"Hello?"
"MOTHER! It's your daughter, Diane." (She is in Indiana. I am living with progressive MS in Seattle.)
She laughs, that familiar laugh I love to hear. She sounds happy.
"I KNOW," she says a bit insulted, "The nurse told me. I was surprised."
"I called to wish you a happy birthday. You will be 83 on Sunday."
"That's old." (We laugh.)
"Did you get the candy I sent?"
"Candy? No."
"WEll, you will and a surprise is coming soon." (Dozen roses to match her name.)
"What is it?"
"I can't tell you! Then it wouldn't be a surprise!" (We laugh.)
"Well thanks for calling," (that is her cue to me to hang up) "what is coming tomorrow?"
I laugh. "Oh, you are sneaky. It is a surprise I'll call again tomorrow."
"Ok, I sure am surprised."
"What?" (That's right, she started off with that...)
"That I have a daughter." (Ouch.)
"I get that a lot. I love you, Mom." (We never say "I love you." She finds it distasteful.)
"Okay. Bye."
"Bye."
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