The Handyman, Part IV

 

In honor of the Phoenix MS Walk the first weekend of November, I would like to share:

The Handyman, Part IV

My mother was a woman of strong opinions. 

She became a confidant of many of the nursing home’s staff. 

They came to her, because she was mentally clear. 

She remembered everything and was always trying to help. 

Meddling? 

Yep. That’s what some would call it, but they came back for more. 

Even after they no longer worked at the home, they came back. Year after year to see her.

One woman worked for two years at the home. 

Soon after she began working there, she decided to bring in her three children and their pets for the residents to see. Bunnies, puppies, birds and kitties, the family loved animals and loved even more to share them. 

The children enjoyed the visits to the Grannies and Grampies. 

Mother was always delighted to see them. 

Each time they came she would have someone take a photo of them all together for her guest books. Each time those children came, they would bring her some art work which would hang in her room until the next visit. 

They were her adopted grandchildren and loved as much as her own. 

For eight years, they visited her twice a year. 

The children always reminding their mother when it was time to see her.

There were also the letter writers. Mother loved to send and receive letters, but unable to move a finger needed a letter writer. 

She had several that cycled through over the years. 

People that would pen a private note to me when they sent my letters so far away. 

People that would call when they were visiting the area where I lived, because after all, we were all family right? 

Mother assured them we were.

And then there was Roy.

Roy began visiting my mother in August of 2008.  

A handyman by trade, he came by the nursing home and they discussed home renovations. 

Mom quickly became enamored with Roy.