song of the day: 'for you' by john denver (one of my parents' favorite songs)
i got to spend the day with my mom in the hospital yesterday. by monday afternoon, it was clear she'd had a fairly significant stroke. she couldn't use her left side at all, slurred her words, and couldn't even swallow water. monday night was really really hard. my stomach was uneasy and i would just spontaneously start crying. but the minute i walked into her room on tuesday morning and saw her face, this incredible peace washed over me. she was greatly changed, but the reality of the situation was so much easier to bear than the nightmare i had formed in my mind. there are the sweetest glimpses of my mother as she was before in her speech. she'll make jokes and even when you don't think she's listening, she'll just start in on the conversation. there's a lot that she'll have to overcome in the next months. but the doctors are hopeful that she'll make great progress with therapy and time.
but i think the most wonderful thing i've seen so far in all this, is the love my parents have for each other. to witness the tenderness in the way my dad will hold mom's hand and kiss her cheek. the selfless way he'll comb her hair and get another blanket and prop up her head. i mean, they've loved each other for almost 50 years, since they were both 14! but it is just as sweet, and truly even more so, than it was in the beginning. they are living their wedding vows right now: in sickness and in health. what an incredible legacy to leave with your children.
again, thanks so much for your encouragement and support. i am truly blessed :)
details:
jacket-vintage
dress-one of those discount retail stores but i don't remember which one
shoes-target
bag-vintage
