Making lists….  Bill or ?

In this case it was me.  Mimi’s hands are gnarled from arthritis and writing is painful,  but she keeps making her lists.  On this day, she needed her meds opened, the humidifier filled, and new batteries in her hearing aids.  

I take for granted the ease with which I was able to tackle the list.  She can’t open her pills.    There is no way she would be able to lift the humidifier from its base.  And, I use the word ease somewhat incorrectly, as it was not simple or easy to replace the battery in her hearing aids – something I am absolutely confident will be a part of my future.   For someone who is incredibly independent, she is dependent on others for help.

My Uncle Bill for one.  He is wonderful to her and she worships him.  In her address book he is listed simply as “my son”.

An extra benefit to all of this has been reconnecting with my Uncle Bill and his family.  On this trip we had breakfast… Uncle Bill and Aunt Barb, my cousin Kerry and her family including the irrepressible Jack and Eleanor – my second cousins (I think).  Ten year old twins.

I remember my brother Jeff and I being completely enamored of Uncle Bill and Aunt Barb.  I was ten-ish when they married and I remember being captivated by their wedding.  Leah was about 10 when I first married and similarly remembers my wedding.  The thread of time and family and stories shared.  

Uncle Bill is an incredible story teller…. weaving all sorts of magic.  We were all completely enthralled as he shared the story of the squirrel and the fireplace.

All of this to note that, through Mimi,  I am receiving unintentional gifts.  I am truly blessed.  I look forward to our next visit, which we earmarked for March of 2013 and for a bit longer than the 18 hours we have been spending together.  I want to get to know my Uncle and his family again.  Only recently did I learn that he was an avid photographer… 

It only serves to prove again that out of the darkest moments there is always light.  You just have to look for it.