I have got quite a few letters and cards from my mum which she sent to me at University or in various stages of my life. She was more of a traveller than I have been and managed to fit in a few good trips before she began to get the dementia ( including one to Canada to see that old school friend and another to the States. ) Sifting through boxes in the garage I came across a birthday card she sent me donkeys years ago, crammed with love and kisses. Made me cry like a baby when I read it. She doesn't know anyone's birthdays now, including her own.
Donna that was funny about your elderly neighbour checking you over to see if you were wearing those clothes. Must have been a strain for you to keep it up! Tina , so sorry you had a lot of clothes sorting to do, I can quite see how upsetting that must have been for you. You were being very thoughtful to help your relatives with that.
Jennifer, your dilemmas must seem even worse than ours trying to work out the practical and emotional logistics of your mum's possessions. I'm really sorry. In my case I think the hardest part is getting rid of things whilst my mum is alive because it seems to be saying: well you are not going to recover enough to wear this or that again and your life is ending so I'll dispose of this/that and so on. It's fine to be logical and say this is only sensible, to acknowledge the passing of time, but emotionally, if you are a bit of a coward, as I am, it's very hard to do.
Hazel you must have been quite proud to see the Minister wearing the jumper you knitted! I hope you offered to knit him a matching scarf!
Kayla, I agree with Brenda, I can't see why your mum couldn't have her own bedlinen. The home is supposed to be a home, not an institution. As long as your mum's name is on them somewhere I can't see what the problem is. Oh, by the way, there are two spare rooms now next to my mum's room. Both have very nice views and your mum could have her own linen... Do you think you could contemplate moving her? It's not that far...
Lila , so sorry to hear about your 'sorting out ' problems. They sound much worse than mine. Sending kind regards.
Aine, thank you for starting this thread, so many things to say and feelings to share. I hope you are feeling less adrift. Love Deborah