This month my mother would have been one hundred and three years old. Her mother lived for one hundred years. Her brother lived until one hundred and four. But alas, my mother fell and broke her hip. Complications followed and she lived just three months beyond her ninetieth birthday. She would have loved being one hundred and three as much as she loved being seventy, eighty and ninety! She enjoyed her life.

I sensed this poem surfacing when I knew my mother would not be recovering from her fall. It was read silently by visitors at her memorial. I include it here, thirteen years later, in this caregiver’s blog.

I felt it important to acknowledge caregiving is a role that goes full circle, that even as a caregiver, we might need a caregiver. Indeed, in times past, I have felt the humbling, yet special experience, as a recipient of another’s care.

We learn to care from those who care for us. My initial learning to ‘care for another’ came from my mother. I am grateful.

Regardless of where their picture sits on the genealogy chart, we miss our loved ones when they leave us. It feels good to share the bond of caring that connects the chain of care.

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In Loving Memory
Bright Star

Like a star newly born, you shine so very bright.
Your youthful energy is unsurpassed.
Your glow spreads everywhere, to everyone you meet;
The sphere of your radiance is vast.

You touch many lives, with encouragement and zest;
Your smile warms many weary souls.
While travelling through life, your light has passed the tests,
Like most “stars”, you play many roles!

Drifting through your “sky”, you share your star beams
By illuminating lives of those nearby.
Your bright light keeps shining as a candle in the dark,
All from your place in your sky!

Your star never seems to wane or dim its glow,
No matter what life bestows on you.
You focus your “star beams” on your road ahead,
Knowing heaven helps keep your goal in view.

You are a bright star in all of our lives;
Your constant glow continues shining through.
We’ll each make our way in skies of our own
Lighted by the “star beams” from you!

Bright Star (c) 2007 Judith Allen Shone

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Order from local independent book stores, in paperback, hardcover and eBook. Thank you. 🍦🍪 BE

PREPARED for the role of caregiver…my stories from my life as a spouse-caregiver are written in real time just like this story. Read the stories I share to become prepared for life in the world of Alzheimer’s!

Visit Maria’s Bookshop, ask them if they have, or can order, “Is There Any Ice Cream?” by Judith Allen Shone.

A favourite bookstore of my mother, who lived in the town of Durango, Colorado for over sixteen years! 💕🌞📚