...and My Birthday

Between November 18 and December 31, there are 6 birthdays in my family. Both aunts, Mother, husband, nephew and self. (There is a cousin's birthday on Dec. 31 as well, but she's never around for it.) So we try to have a birthday lunch during this time especially for birthday people. This year we went to J.D.'s Buffet in Winchester. They were so accommodating. They allowed us to bring in a cake, ice cream and drinks. And the food is good country food.

 

This is Google saying "Happy Birthday Carrie"

 

Today is my birthday. When I was a kid, my parents made sure I had a birthday. They didn't mix it up with Christmas, like a lot of people. But now it get's mixed in with Christmas. This year, I've had a text and 5 phone calls. It's been a good birthday so far. My sweet husband gave me a Kindle. I'd been thinking about one, but hadn't verbalized that. So it was a sweet surprise, and now I've had it in my hand almost all day. We'll go out for steak tonight. It's a good life.

Now for the juicy part. I've finally done it. You know how when women get older they buy "old lady shoes." Well, I've bought an old lady car. And I love it. It's a white Lincoln Town Car and it has heated seats, two sun visors each, and you can ride in it all day and not be worn out.

It's actually my second. I traded my convertible for the first one the 20th of November. Then, it got totaled on the 20th day of ownership. Mom and I were coming back from Murfreesboro in the rain and wind and a young woman pulled out from the right. She didn't see me. From her angle, I was behind a truck. But no one was hurt and now I have a younger Lincoln Town Car.

The first one had white leather interior, which was beautiful. But this one has a light gray and it's a little more practical, especially since our dog Rosie travels with us all the time.

Yesterday, John said I was too tall for this car. I can see over the steering wheel. Now you know why I think I've bought an "old lady car."

Merry Christmas!

This was mine.

Now this is mine.

 

Mom's Birthday

Today, my mother is 89 years old. She is now living in an assisted living community in town. Until October, she was living about 1/2 hour away. She lived alone, was still driving (even to my home), and volunteering at the local senior center two days a week.

But after a couple tumbles, which seemed to be getting more serious, my brother and sister and I decided something had to change. Since my sister is a consultant with the company that owns the local assisted living facility, we checked it out.

I took Mom over one Wednesday and we looked around and got some information. My brother went by her apartment and explained all the financials to her, and she decided to move in. But now, I'm wondering if that was such a good idea. Of course, since I live the closest I am the primary caregiver and with her the most, and I get the most feedback from her. So now she is wondering why we "stuck her in here."

Oh, how things appear differently to each of us. We use our own filters to interpret life. We thought we were giving her plenty of information and we thought she was being honest and sincere with us. Little did we know... Now, when friends ask her why she moved in "there," she tells them, "To keep family peace," "Because its what my kids wanted," and other similar comments.

My husband and I take her to lunch most every Sunday, and this being her birthday, we thought we'd continue the same. But Friday, she told me she didn't want to go to lunch today. I said that was fine, but I've been trying to figure it out. "She's tired of doing everything with me," "She's depressed and doesn't want to do anything," "She's angry about being 'stuck in there,'" and anything else that might explain it.

So this morning, I called and asked a friend of hers to take Mom to an activity we were going to tomorrow evening. I got emotional and explained I was worried about her. The friend just called back and told me, she had a great conversation with Mom. She left her laughing, and Mom refused her offer. Mom had responded, "Oh, no, Carrie will be so disappointed if she doesn't get to go. She loved that last program and she looks forward to this." Not...

But we'll go and it will be fine. And life goes on. I love my momma. Happy Birthday, Mom!

What filter am I using to interpret my life that I'm not aware of? Oh, well, or Whatever!!!