We have had 3 days of Christmas celebrations because we are one of many families fractured by divorce. The constants throughout the 3 days have been my faithful and only daughter, Sarah and my 92 year old mother. Today, the actual day of Christmas, it was just the three of us, and I must say, we had a wonderful time. Stockings, presents, lunch and a game of Kings in the Corner, which Sarah remembers playing with her great grandmother in her nursing home, more than 25 years ago.
Together, Sarah and I had resurrected a family album quilt which I had made for my grandmother in 1975, to mark the bicentennial when we had a huge family reunion. My grandmother had the quilt on her bed until she died in 1985 or so. We presented the quilt to my mother to have on her bed and to remind her of all the members of her family. Her siblings have all died, and two of my cousins have died since the quilt was made so many years ago.
My mom pronounced this "the best Christmas ever," and that really says a lot!! After returning her to her assisted living residence, I reflected on the fact that I am happy that I have done everything I can do to help her have the best quality of life she can have at this stage. It isn't always easy, and there are plenty of times I am resentful of the burden. But today, in the spirit of Christmas, I am thankful for my daughter, and for my mother and that we could spend these days together.
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