Once again my Role Model

Of course as children, we are usually looking up to our parents as role models throughout our lives.  One might think that as an illness such as Alzheimer's takes its effects, the opportunities for a parent to continue to be a role model lessen.  Not true if you are honest with yourself.

I have been a worrier for years.  I don't know how many years.  I worried about my husband being killed as he served in the Army.  I worried about my children, their health, their welfare, their friends, their religious training.  A couple years ago, I had a resident who was also a worrier.  I told her I was just like she was, if we didn't have something to worry about, we would find something.  So when my husband suggested taking yoga a couple months ago, I was interested in not just the exercise component, but the stress management and mindfulness aspect of it.  I love the focus on the here and now, the focus on the breathing.  But to be honest, I really have to work hard to stay in the moment.  As I wrote in an earlier post, I am always focused so far into the future, I miss out on the here and now.

So today in our weekly phone chat, I was stuck by how completely content and in the moment my mother is right now.  There are still the rehashing of her work career, probably 3 to 4 times during each weekly phone call.  And I do hear about the here and now probably 3 times a call as well.  But it is amazing how completely at peace and content she is with her cats and my dad.  There is a goal I would like to set for myself.  I am always looking at books that have the titles about "living simply", "slow down", "live in the moment".  I don't have to buy any books on the subject.  I have an example to follow right in front of me.

I'm so thankful to recognize the abilities still there and the opportunity for me to continue to learn from her.  I hope I can continue to plan for the needs she and my dad will have in the future, but to keep my focus on the here and now, to enjoy the present and not miss out.