Saturday, June 13, 2009

Family

Takumi showed up last night! He walked in the door and I didn't recognize him! How terrible is that?! I only saw him last July. He looks taller, though he says he isn't. He looks thinner. No, he says. He has longer hair, he smiles a lot. He says "Maybe I've changed because I'm old." Twenty-four is not old but to him it is. Marcy fed him oatmeal cookies and sashimi (what a combination!) and we chatted with Grandma and he tweaked my computer a bit before we turned in for the night.

Grandma (actually my mother, but we all call her Grandma these days) is holding her own. I don't like to leave her but Marcy and Keion seem to think life should go on as normal which is probably a healthier way of living. There are softball practices that need to be attended and school field trips that need to be chaperoned. Marcy tempts me with trips to Sam's club and Jo Anns and Starbucks. We can't be hovering over Grandma all the time! I am edgy when I am with her (what if she can't make it to the bathroom, what if she starts feeling sick again) and I am edgy when I am away (what if she calls and no one is there, what if she tries to get up alone and falls).

The times when my mother looks the happiest is when she has the dogs with her. She is so overjoyed when they join her on her bed or in her chair and she seems so tickled to think that they don't want to be parted from her. She holds and pets and coos at them and they in turn look at her with liquid adoring eyes. It is a wonderful combination and I know all is well when she is talking to the dogs or patting one absentmindedly.

Grandma used to have a cat but it disappeared sometime last year and Marcy says she has enough to do without looking after another animal. I wish my mother could enjoy one of my cats... I do have enough to spare.... At least 5 times a day Grandma will ask me how many cats I have.

"Five. I have one dog and five cats."

"FIVE!!! How on earth did you ever get five! That's too many!"

and I feel chagrined and scolded each and every time she asks.

14 comments:

Mrs. Goodneedle said...

God bless you and all the caregivers (including those who are canine). God bless Grandma.

Nancy said...

I'm glad you decided to come and spend time with Grandma now.

Linda said...

It's not hard to see where you get your love of animals from!! Happy you're able to be with your mom AND that you get to see your kids!
Lurking Linda

Marj said...

Your son is very hansome and so grown up. I'm sure he is liking being able to visit with you. Your Mom is looking like she is also enjoying her time with you. I am glad that the dogs are helping to look after her. Hope that your daughter gets to come see you soon. Hope that you continue ejoying your time in the States, try to relax a little. LOL

Mimi said...

Good to hear from you Tanya. Glad you got to see Takumi and that he is such a happy young man.

Your mother is so lucky that you could come and spend time with her and I'm very glad that you are getting out a bit to spend time in fun ways, too.

Hugs

Callie said...

Your Mom looks so happy with the dogs. I'm very glad she is doing so much better. Enjoy your visit!

Allie said...

My goodness Takumi is a handsome young man! I'm so glad he was able to come see you and your mum. Who, by the way, looks wonderful, surrounded by those dogs! I adore her smile!
And sweetie, if you had FIFTY cats, that would be too many....but five isn't, yet. LOL!

BrendaLou said...

Tanya, your mother is so beautiful! Takumi is also handsome and isn'tit comforting to think that he smiles a lot! So many young men are so sullen or bored or angry, it is wonderful to hear about one who smiles more than he used to! I'm glad you came to CA early!

The Calico Quilter said...

Don't let your mother make you feel bad about the cats - some people would say two dogs are too much! And I think five cats are waaaay less work than two dogs.

June said...

I am so happy that you are back in the States and with your family. I remember how it was when my daughter lived in Japan and we only got to see her once a year! Your Mother is a beautiful lady and I will pray for her, too. Takumi is as handsome as ever! Will you get to see your daughter also?

Timi said...

You have a wonderful family, Tanya!
I love your mother's dog :o), they look lovely!!

Christine Thresh said...

Your mother is a lovely looking woman. Her smile is catching.
Have a good visit.

G'G'ma said...

A beautiful photo of your Mom...I'm sure she is feeling better because you are there in CA. And your son is so very good looking too!

Enjoy all those trips to Sam's, JoAnn's etc. The the softball team will really love those pillow cases.

Rae Ann said...

Grandma has as many pets as you do. And her smile.......it says 1000 words. Rae Ann