Mom’s 84, did I tell you? She has macular degeneration, two fake hips, two bum knees, and two shot shoulders. And she’s one of the happiest people I know. Always has that joy in her heart that can only come from above because, believe me, there ain’t much down here to put it there. About the only thing she can do these days is watch TV, and since she’s legally blind, even that can be challenging.
But she’s also adventurous, in her own way.
For the bulk of the years since Daddy passed away in 1997, she has used the oven for storage and the stove only for heating water for instant coffee (until she had a cancerous kidney removed and couldn’t have coffee anymore). If she absolutely must eat at the house, she uses her microwave and toaster oven.
At one point, she tried cooking again — nothing big, nothing fancy. She just put some eggs on to boil. And forgot them. Boiled the pot dry. Lucky she caught it before the eggs started exploding.
Long after the dried-eggs episode, she called me, all excited because she’d made her own breakfast: Hormel’s precooked bacon, Eggo waffles, and eggs scrambled “Linda” style. She loves my scrambled eggs, and she was tickled that she’d been able to make them just as I do. She had a great breakfast. Then she realized she’d forgotten to turn off the fire under the skillet. There’s something about the smell of overheated Teflon that you never forget. She probably won’t forget it ever again.
So, after all this, you can imagine how I felt when she called me (from 150 miles away) and told me she’d sent her helper to the store to buy some groceries. Della came home with some great rib-eye steaks, a couple of huge potatoes, a few pounds of 1015 sweet onions, and a packaged salad — the only thing on the list that seemed safe. Then Mom asked me how to cook it all.
What could I do? Suggesting she hire a personal chef was out of the question, so I told her what to do step by step, warned her that the knife is sharp, and reminded her to turn off the stove when she was done.
Let me tell you — there’s nothing stranger than giving cooking instructions to the one who taught you to cook. But a little while later, she called again. “Delicious!”
Experiment #1 was a success.
Experiment #2 came later. She wanted to make a beef hash just like she used to.
So, once again, I told her, step by step, how she used to make her hash. Guess what? Experiment #2 was a success too! She even saved me some.
And let me interrupt this post just long enough to say how special it is to have something Mom cooked after almost 20 years of her not cooking. Rare treasure.
In a way, I was happy that she’d returned to cooking. Looking forward to hearing of her culinary skills returning, hearing of her eating healthier meals. But you know what she said?
Cooking wears her out.
I can see that. Everything is a challenge for her, and she really can’t afford to make a mess in the kitchen, because there’s no one there but her to clean it up.
So I wasn’t surprised when she called last night and told me she’d ordered a cheese spud, a dozen wings, and a cobb salad from a local restaurant. God bless Delivery services. At least she won’t starve.
If your mama’s still with you, give her a hug. And if she can still cook, hug her harder.
Several years into it, and this blog still refuses to be categorized. It's eclectic and includes everything from writing posts to snippets from my ordinary life. 
Linda W. Yezak 
Your mom sounds like a sweerheart. I lost my mom last year, but she kept cooking until six month before she passed. Cookies and breads to take to the senior center. They loved her there. 🙂
LikeLike
Your mom sounds like a treasure! I know you’re going to miss her. So sorry for your loss.
LikeLike
Would sooo love to give your precious mom a hug! She’s so cute! Bless her heart for trying to cook. Tell her, if she happens to try something again, to set her timer to buzz after she’s finished as a remember to turn off anything that needs turning off. She has such a sweet daughter who takes such good care of her. Bless you, MSRHF! ❤
LikeLike
She’d love you. Tender-hearted people tend to be drawn to each other!
LikeLike
Your mom is a go-getter, and I love her smile. I’m working at being Humpty Dumpty too so I admire her energy and mindset! You have a great mom! Give her a hug from me too.
LikeLike
She is super-special. I just got back from spending a week with her, but I’ll save your hug for next time. She loves hugs! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Loved hearing about your mom. She sounds like a sweetheart just like her precious daughter. I’ll hug my mama tight when next I see her.
LikeLike
She is a sweetheart, thank you! Yes, give your mama a huge hug!
LikeLike
That picture of your mama and your post make me want to hug her! She has such joy on her face.
It makes me miss working in the retirement home. I love older folks. The stories. The hugs. Helping them figure out ways to stay as independent as they can. They’re just something special.
She sounds like a treasure.
LikeLike
She is a treasure, and until she was benched, she lived a fascinating life. I’m with you in my love for older people–the stories!
LikeLike
I love your mom! We lost mine in 1998, so it’s been a spell since I had a mom to cook for me. I’ll just sit back and enjoy yours via this silly box on my desk. 🙂
LikeLike
Well, you know she loves you! I wish you two could meet someday!
LikeLike
I think this is my favorite post ever. Your mom is awesome. 🙂
LikeLike
Yes she is! Thanks!
LikeLike
This is indeed an endearing post. Bless your mom for not giving up on life in spite of all of her challenges. She is truly an example of living faith. I am blessed to still have both my parents, and they are still doing exceptionally well, taking care of themselves and their home. My dad is 87 and my mother is 82. Every day is another divine gift.
LikeLike
Wow. Your parents are amazing! So happy you still have them with you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You mom’s very special and so are you. As for her not being able to do much, don’t let her think it. She can’t drive and probably shouldn’t be cooking. But, I’m sure she’s a prayer warrior. Otherwise, how would she keep her lovely brilliant attitude.
I still have my Mom but she’s far away so I don’t get to see her much. Moms are wonderful people to have. For one thing, they don’t mind telling what relatives did what back in the day. 🙂
Have a lov-e-ly day and try not to worry.
God bless you in your efforts for HIM
Nora
LikeLike
Thank you for the sweet note, Nora. Yes, Mama is definitely a prayer warrior! She keeps in close contact with her Creator which, without a doubt, is the reason for the joy in her heart!
Wish you could see your mother more often. We all need our Mom Hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person