Happy Easter to those who celebrate. Happy Spring Renewal to those who don’t (or autumn if you live in the southern hemisphere). We went to YouTube church in my sister’s living room, enjoying great music and fun photo montages, including a creative and enjoyable Hallelujah Chorus. If you want to see it, click here and go to the end of the service. We had two professional choir persons in house (sis and hubby) to enhance the hymn singing. Mom and I cried (I can’t sing hymns without crying). The Easter Bunny managed to find us, leaving behind tons of chocolate (because we need more). He also obviously broke open the piggy bank to shop at Stevers in Rochester, NY, and Sarris Candies in Canonsburg, PA. Later we feasted on ham, lamb, scalloped potatoes, a roasted squash salad, and roasted Brussels sprouts. I made a crème brulé for dessert with a packet mix from France that expired in 2017. Which is worse: a 4-years-our-of-date product or using coconut milk and almond milk instead of heavy cream? (sacré bleu!). Then we took Mom for a roll around the block under sunny skies. I extended my walk alone by another 2+ miles.

It’s been a long but thoroughly enjoyable two weeks spending much time with Mom and sisters, saying goodbye to old friends and greeting new ones. Tomorrow is the big move-in day for Mom, but I’ll be heading home early in the morning, which is for the best because I don’t think I could handle getting her settled in her new place and then leaving her there. My sisters will have that job—and will probably handle the emotions better than me. I thank God I’m not an only child—for a lot of reasons, but especially in dealing with an aging parent.

I’ve been sharing a bed with Mom for the past week and been enjoying waking up next to this itty bitty lady that brought me into the world. This morning, as I stared at her while she slept, I thought about how I used to crawl in bed between her and Dad whenever there was a thunderstorm. Now I find myself comforting her during this time of apprehensiveness and telling her it’s normal to be afraid but that everything will be okay. Tonight will be the last night I spend with her before saying goodbye. I’m making plans for a visit in seven weeks or so. Now that she’s only a 6-hour drive away, instead of nearly 10 hours, visiting will be easier.