Posted 9/2/22
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.- Colossians 3:23-24
1950s
Are you still working on it?
Grandpa sternly asked mom while she milked the same cows as yesterday
This mundane bovine lactation extraction process is a bunch of scat!!
She thought, but in a manner more like a salty 8-year-old would say.
Mom was working…
1960s
“Have your hands and feet quit working, young lady? Don’t stop!”
The gym coach jeered as mom slowed her rope climb ascension.
She was the first girl in her school to climb the rope to the top
What she thought of the gym coach could earn suspension.
But…she was still working.
1970s
“Are you working on your homework in there?”
Mom asked me through my high school room door.
Yes mom I said, instead watching Hulk Hogan wrestle Rick Flair
(Chuckling) After this match you need to do more.
Mom was working (even when I wasn’t)
1980s
How are you doing these days, Mark? Is everything ok?
You have gained a lot of weight and you make me worry.
Let’s go for a walk while the weather is nice. What do you say??
Sun’s going down and it’s getting dark. Please hurry.
Mom was working…
1990s and 2000s
“Why do you work all of those temporary places?
I mean, you have enough money to spare.”
I just like to be flexible and see your smiling faces.
When I visit and slip you a twenty here and there.
Mom was really working.
2010s and 20’s
Hi there! It’s my number one momma!!!
I always say as I come by the nursing home, with a smile.
If I read the non-word words before and after the comma,
I can see that she loves me, and all is well for a while.
Mom is still working.
Today onward…
So momma, you have worked and worked my whole life.
And while dementia has slowed you down to less than a crawl.
I will work day and night, looking for a cure
Like you have always done, I will give it my all.
That is why I am working…to #EndALZ
You know, friends, sometimes I just like to write poetry for the art of it and sometimes it just helps me say what I usually say, but in a different way. Today is probably option 2.
I feel, a lot. It is hard. I am a durable, hard-working guy. Like mom (and especially my dad), I work hard. It is a challenge for me to put my feelings to electronic pen…but it helps. Thank you for helping by listening and reading…and for helping me tilt this windmill that is dementia.
Update: Mom is about the same. She is getting blisters, of all places, on her toes. We are working on it vicariously through her wonderful nurses. I will be seeing her in a couple of hours and will thank her for all of her work over the 5+ decades.
Have a super, long weekend! May it be life giving and refreshing. 🙂
