Celebrating Moments in Time

/ rothpoetry
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My father-in-law turned 90 a few years ago and his family and long time friends gathered in his care facility to celebrate. He enjoyed it all very much, especially the cake and ice cream.  It was a wonderful time that we will long remember, although he only remembered for the moment.  Some might wonder why go all out if he won’t remember that it happened.  I believe that although he was not able to remember, the effects on his well being lasted much longer.  The goal for someone in Alzheimer’s is to create moments that make them feel alive now, and tomorrow they will still feel better, even if they do not know why. Time with loved ones is never wasted.
We celebrated
Ninety years of connections
Winter closing in
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Chocolate cake enjoyed
A very special moment
Birch trees pushing buds
Photos; Dwight L. Roth
Today at d’Verse we are celebrating birthdays. Kim asked write about a special birthday we remembered. I don’t remember any special birthday parties that I had as a child.  I decided to write about our last birthday party for my father-in-law who lived at Lifestyles Care Facility in Edmonton, AB. It was a great day for all.

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62 thoughts on “Celebrating Moments in Time”

  3. Dwight, thank you for sharing the photo of this wonderful celebration! My mother enjoyed celebrating her 90th birthday with relatives at my house. My sister arranged a hymn sing and each of us selected a favorite hymn and read a tribute to her. Although she had Alzheimer’s, she enjoyed the day. For days afterward, when I visited her, she was wearing the pink silk flower corsage I had made her for the occasion. I am sure you are right that well-being lasts far beyond the happy moment. Take care, Cheryl

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  7. Aww, this is just lovely. I especially adore the sentiment behind it–that’s remarkably true. It’s the moments that matter and the feelings they cause from it. Such a beautiful piece and memory shared, Dwight. It’s very emotional.

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  9. I understand completely, Dwight. My mom had Alzheimer many years before she passed away. Even when she couldn’t recognize any family members, she still lingered for many more years. It was hard on her and on us. It was wonderful when your father-in-law could relate to the current moment and be happy.
    Thank you for sharing the birthday party and images.

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  15. What a wonderful 90th birthday party your father-in-law had, Dwight. Not many people reach that age and not many care home residents have friends and family to celebrate with. The photographs show how much everyone enjoyed the occasion, and the cake and ice cream! I agree that people with Alzheimer’s need moments that make them feel alive. Thank you for not one but two birthday haiku.

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  19. Oh, how wonderful for him and everyone who loves him! (I have joy-tears in my eyes.)
    Always important to make sweet memories. 🙂 Yes, often the mind goes before we want it to…bu the heart and soul lives on. 🙂
    (((HUGS))) 🙂

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      • Do you mind if I were to subscribe to your WP site? Become a follower? (Ha, that still makes me think of a cult! 😮 )

        I know we have some friends in common…Ivor, Kate, Derrick…

        My site is on private, but you can click on my username and choose to subscribe to my site if you wish. WP will send me an e-mail so I can give access to my site.

        I usually only have time to post once a week. And it’s usually humorous, or some poetry I’ve attempted to write. 🙂

        (((HUGS))),
        Carolyn 🙂

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      • Thank you, Dwight!
        You should be able to access my blog now.
        Like I said, I usually only have time to put up a new blog once a week.
        And if you leave a comment in the comment section, I will always respond back to it. (I’m not sure WP notifies people of my comments.)
        HUGS,
        Carolyn 🙂

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  21. This brought me to tears, even though I’m sure that wasn’t the intention of this lovely haibun. What struck me hard were your words, like a revelation to me…”The goal for someone in Alzheimer’s is to create moments that make them feel alive now, and tomorrow they will still feel better, even if they do not know why.” Fortunately so far in our family we have not suffered from this terrible disease, but I will keep these words tucked safely if needed. Thank you.

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  23. So glad you all had this celebration. I think it makes a difference–positive difference–to everyone involved. Maybe it’s like reading to someone in a coma. I mean, I don’t know; but I think something good happens that everyone may feel.

    “Time with loved ones is never wasted.” Even with “Winter closing in.”

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