I feel compelled to record these updates on Anthony’s health, so that I will remember in the future. The unpredictability of his daily condition is just that – unpredictable. After days of silence and sleepiness, today his eyes were wide open (one of the many symptoms of PD is not blinking, so this makes his eyes very wide!)
Me: You look like an owl!
Anthony: I …
Me: Clear your throat – c’mon, cough!
Anthony: Coughing.
Me: So what did you want to say?
Anthony: Where is your mother?
Okay, so a little background information for those who don’t know. My mother is 81 and fighting fit despite numerous health challenges (cancer, broken hip, pelvis, wrist). She lives independently in a town not far from here and she is the epitome of maternal/grand-maternal etc.
The fact that she visits Ants so often – around twice each week and more if I need a break – is testament to her amazing love for me, her only daughter.
Today, she and I joked with Ants, and his eyes lit up several times, with mirth and affection and, of course, confusion.
Thanks, Mama!
jmgoyder 
You’re most welcome beautiful daughter. But has it occurred to you I might be visiting Anthony because I love him, not you!
Harrumph!
Your Mother is an absolute GEM !
How kind of her to visit Ants so often.
She is a legend!
I agree with Vicki.
Me too!
I frequently post life’s little forgettable but poignant vignettes for that exact reason. I figure if anyone else finds something familiar in them, so much the better; but mostly it’s for me.
I just subscribed to your blog!
I shouldn’t say it, but that stare from Al used to make me feel uneasy, does it you? I got used to it, but would rather it didn’t happen
Yes sometimes the stare is very blank and and nerve-wracking but yesterday he was more focussed.
Your mom amazes me. If you weren’t focusing on Anthony’s health, you might have found ways to worry about her. Glad that she is your rock and support – what a gift she has given you. (My mom was that way, too).
Oh she can be a bit of a worry too haha!
what an amazingly strong family you have. they all refuse to go quietly )
Yes!
I burst out laughing. I find joy in his mirth and good days.
Yes I came home elated!
Give our love to your mother. I take it that you haven’t been burnt to the ground.
I will certainly give your love to Meg and you are right, fires now contained.
Phew!
What a treasure that wonderful mother of yours is.
She is indeed.
It is wonderful that your mum is so amazing and that she visits Anthony so often