From what Mom’s told us about her childhood, she was never a costume kind of girl. My memories of her don’t run towards a let-your-hair-down sort of woman. And her former elementary students would most likely agree…especially since her nickname was Iron Woman of the Playground.
In short, she didn’t have a Goofy Gus personality.
Wasn’t raised like that.
Never experienced it.
Was always very concerned about what other people thought of her.
And her kids.
And her grandkids.
Mom’s world was hemmed round with inhibitions. Until a few years ago, when she was diagnosed with early stage Alzheimer’s. Then things began to change. Gradually, what other people thought didn’t matter. Having fun in the moment did. Slowly, she began expressing her feelings.
She told us we were good kids.
That she was grateful for our care of her.
That she felt safe because we were around.
That she loved us.
In July, her inhibitions relaxed further. At our daughter’s wedding, she got all dolled up in a costume, entered the photo booth, and the camera captured her essence.
The bunny ears on her head make me laugh.
The flowers around her face soften my heart.
The sweetness of her smile makes me cry.
She is so happy.
This picture is worth a thousand words.
For the first time in her life, my mother is free to be herself.
