August 31, 2009
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I saw my mother Saturday. She was awake, sitting in the recliner, her head leaning to the right as it seems to want to. I got in the wheel chair and pulled up close so I could help her drink out of the sippy cup.
All of a sudden she reaches down and starts stroking my bare leg with the back of her hand. Not like you’d nuzzle a child but for a prolonged period of time, just back and forth. I actually straightened my leg so she could reach more of it, saying, “Does skin feel good?” It kind of creeped me out. I mean she’s never touched me before.
I’m guessing hospice has been lotioning her feet and legs and she was tapping back into that any way she could.
Comments (5)
Although my situation was very different, I do understand what you’re going through. There is nothing easy about any of this. Sneding warm thoughts and wishes for peace your way.
*hug* Physical contact like that is good for the brain and the spirit.
RYC I have been back for a few months but not posting often and commenting less.Its hard to find the right balance but i am trying to make sure I keep my time on xanga at a level that does not interfere with other activities that i want to undertake.Its great to see you are here too.I am sorry your mother did not touch with affection before.I can see how this kind of touch might feel really weird given the circumstances.
The tactile can be so powerful. I think it was kind of you to indulge her need for it.
When the cancer moves into the brain it’s not a pretty thing. I realize in retrospect that many of the actions my mother went through during the time we took care of her were related to the cancer spreading there. She’d appear to be listening but you just were never sure. My heart goes out to you…blessings…marilyn