The stranger in my mother's bed.

On old lady is lying in a nursing home. She used to be my mother, but I do not know her face.

The eyes that once shone bright are now half closed, dull and listless.
She looks my way but does not see her son. Does she see a stranger? I remind her who I am.

The spark inside her that once shone bright is now a fading speck.

The voice once strong that scolded me, comforted me, encouraged me, is now a faint whisper.

"Water, water," is all she says. The nurse gives her water, but is it what she wants? Is she in pain? Is she trying to tell us something?
Water is in front of her. Is she trying to convey a message known only to her, spoken as the only word that comes to her mind?
We will never know.

"Water, water," is all she says. The nurse gives her water, but is it what she wants?

She is on her final glide path. Every day the slope steepens but we do not know when her beautiful flight will end.
I hope it is soon.
I hope it is a long way off.
I hope it is soon …

I go home, and I cry. My cousin does not see. She will see me cry soon enough, but I do not want to burden her today.


Do not feel sad for me, these are only words on a screen. They are my words. This is my sadness.


On old lady is lying in a nursing home bed. She used to be my mother but I do not know her face.

Re: The stranger in my mother's bed.

Very sad story. Been there.

Re: The stranger in my mother's bed.

That's heartbreaking Fruitcake.

Re: The stranger in my mother's bed.

Re: The stranger in my mother's bed.

Thinking of you fruity x
I lost my mum to her stroke first
And then again when she could finally rest

The first one was the one that tore me apart

Re: The stranger in my mother's bed.

I've been there too...

Re: The stranger in my mother's bed.

I do feel for you, been there too with my mum x months of awful painful ilness and then end of life dementia, so i will keep you in my prayers and hope you find some little comfort in knowing you are not alone, even tho it feels that way xx

Re: The stranger in my mother's bed.

Fruitcake

Re: The stranger in my mother's bed.

We put on a brave face but the hurt lies deep within, I know how you are feeling, Fruitcake

Re: The stranger in my mother's bed.

Thank you all.