Humming a Little Tune

I took Used to Be Mother to the inter-faith choir festival at the Calgary Stake Centre tonight where seven choirs from the United, Presbyterian and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints performed Easter hymns.

UTBM: Are all these people Mormon?

Me: No. See on the program, They come from St. Andrews and from Scarboro or St. David's.

UTBM: There were 61 people in that one choir. I counted them as they walked by.

During the closing hymn when all the choirs and congregation sang "Jesus Christ Has Risen Today" she leans over grinning broadly: "I know this one." Her beautiful alto voice touches my heart as I remember so many mornings waking up to her singing and humming. It was the bellwether of my parents' relationship.

On the way home she hums with confidence and enthusiasm.

UTBM: I have no idea what I am even humming. Do you recognize it?

I don't. "I'm enjoying hearing you though Mom."

UTBM: I'm going to give this program to Kim (her complex's activity director) and tell her she should have one of them perform here. Now will you come up and fix my clock.

She doesn't know how to spring forward. I agree to help.

UTBM: You are so good to me Darling.

The skiff of snow worries her and clearly the death grip on my arm and hand communicate her fear of falling.

UTBM: Oh I don't like this. I don't like this at all. Oohh....

I go into her suite and before the door is even shut, she puts on her cassette and begins singing and doing a little jig "oh there's music and there's dancing, and a lot of sweet romancing..."

I set her clock. "There Mom, it's good to go."

UTBM: Why am I so stupid that I can't fix my own clock?

I assure her she isn't stupid, give her a kiss and leave. I can hear her music all the way down the hall. It's a good thing the other residents are either asleep or deaf.

I smile to myself knowing she's probably got her teeth out already and into her nightie. It was a big night for her.