Driving to Mom's

Finding restoration in nature

I’m driving Highway 14 from Camas, Washington to nearby Vancouver when I see, in front of me, a pale, jagged-edged moon hanging in in a faded blue sky. Across the water colored painting-like scene, fly two v-shaped flocks of geese.

It is the week before Christmas. I wanted to stay home, but my mom needs me. She has mild dementia and it is my turn on weekday mornings to come see her. I take her blood pressure and oxygen level and dispense her medications. Then we sit, she in her easy chair, and me in a big blue recliner across from her. We talk about her memories of my dad, memories of family members now gone, and about her desire to stay in her home. I assure her that we’re helping her so she can stay in her own place. My brother Brian comes in the evenings and my brother Stan spends the weekends with her, as well as organizing her meds and doctor appointments. It is working well, but I wanted to stay home this morning. I’ve had some stressful situations with my granddaughter that I’m raising. I need a mental health day

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But the scene before me on Highway 14 brings a feeling of rest to my soul. William Wordsworth, one of my favorite poets,  speaks of nature as being a “tranquil restoration” (“Tintern Abbey” from his collection of lyrical ballands by him and his friend, Samuel Coleridge). When I think of that gift of nature on that morning, I remember the tranquil restoration that it brought to me.

Reviews

[Samuel Dickens]

So many are not as lucky as your mother, having loving, dedicated children to take care of her. Bless you all for doing so. As always, I love these little tales of yours.

[Shelley Warner]

Thank you Samuel for that affirmation.

[Coyote Poetry]

Hello dear Shelley. I watched my grandmother. We rotated days. I enjoyed your story. The beauty of nature give us peace. Thank you dear friend for sharing the story.
Coyote

[Shelley Warner]

Thank you Coyote, I always enjoy your reviews. I'm glad you were able to help with your grandmother.

[Coyote Poetry]

I did and you are welcome dear Shelley.

[Chris Shaw]

William Wordsworth is a favourite poet of mine too Shelley. He certainly knows how to convey the tranquility and peace of nature. You are a caring soul, having both your mother and your granddaughter's interests at heart. Dividing your time can't be easy. Teenage girls and dementia in the family can be stressful to deal with. I know that myself. You take good care of you. Thank you for sharing.

Chris

[Shelley Warner]

Thank you Chris. I'm feeling calm after a stressful time with my granddaughter.

[Chris Shaw]

Pleased to hear that you have found some calm. Hope it stays that way.

[Shelley Warner]

Thank you Chris.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Your mother is blessed to have children that are so attentive to her needs during these golden age years. It was a struggle for me to ever get family to help me with my disabled father several years back. Only in his final days did they attempt to be present. I have to agree with Wordsworth that nature has a tranquil restoration to it. I do hope things improve with you and your granddaughter Shelley. It can't be easy raising someone in these difficult of times. Thank you for sharing this story with us.

[Shelley Warner]

Thank you Carlos. I'm grateful for caring siblings and we share the load. My teenage granddaughter had a mental health crisis two nights ago and is in the hospital for awhile. My brother has spent extra time with my mom to help me through this crisis. And thankfully, I don't have to drive in the snow to see her. Hopefully, we'll all get some restoration.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

My thoughts are truly with you and your family. I hope things get better and change is a peaceful one this coming year for all. Thank you again Shelley for sharing your words with us.

[Shelley Warner]

Thank you too.