The last thing I thought I would ever do in my life was bathe my MIL. While Used to Be Mother has declined over the last four years, my MIL has descended into dependency since January. Confused, delusional, and very lost she needs to rely on the kindness of strangers. So there I was bathing, dressing, and putting on makeup for her when they came up for a visit.
Used to Be Mother walked over for dinner. What used to take her 30 minutes, now takes her 60, but she wanted to walk. She came wearing her heavy coat perspiring and thirsty. She seems to be able to cope one on one but with more than two people, she retreats into herself emerging here and there to make inappropriate and out of context statements. She will go play the piano - her one song she learned in the Salvation Army over 70 years ago. Used to Be Mother doesn't enjoy these outings anymore from what she reports to my siblings.
We wondered what would happen if the two mothers were in a room all by themselves. These are actual things that were said this weekend.
I think it might go something like this:
UTBM: You know my Holly died? I miss her so much.
MIL: Your daughter is so talented.
UTBM: I worked on a jig saw puzzle today for three hours earlier today.
MIL: I had trouble getting up today.
UTBM: My grandchildren are making dinner today for us.
MIL: Are these my grandchildren?
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