Trick or Treat? It’s all in the attitude. An attitude of gratitude can turn your perception around completely.
“When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself.” — Tecumseh
“Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.” — Voltaire
Today, I am most appreciative of being able to spend the last two months caring for my mother in hospice. She died on Thursday evening, quickly, peacefully, willingly and with the promise to “haunt us”, a comment she delivered in the last week with a twinkle in her eye. What a treat to have been able to move cross-country in pandemic conditions and to find myself unemployed and free to be at her side when her illness became apparent. Those circumstances might seem upsettingly tricky, but truly, I wouldn’t have missed these last weeks by her side for anything on earth. My mother was a widely acknowledged treasure!
“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
Learning how to work with your thoughts and receive the pleasures that are all around us is a great trick, one that contributes to wisdom and health.
“Stressed is desserts spelled backwards.” — Unknown
May all your sorrows become sweetness in the joy of being!
Thanks to Tina for hosting this challenge and sharing her amazing wild animal photos! I am so grateful that there are still some wild places left on the planet, and so concerned about their destruction. I recommend the documentary David Attenborough: A Life on This Planet (Netflix) as an excellent narrative on this issue, with hopeful solutions.
scillagrace 
Oh wow 😢 1987
I’m not sure what 1987 means to you, but I send you caring hugs.
Jesus took my mommy in hot July,1987 😉
Sounds like a vivid memory. (((( ❤ ))))
Words of wisdom and inspiration, Scilla. Am so glad you were able to have this time with your mother and family. Thank you from Meg
Thank you, Meg.
Dear Priscilla, how I understand you! I know very well what you mean. My brother and I spent six months looking after my mother until she passed away and it was a time we kept as a treasure.
I’m sorry for your loss and I send you a big virtual hug.
Thanks, Ana. Hugs to you, too!
I was really touched by your post this week Priscilla. First of course, my sympathies for the loss of your mother. How wonderful that you were able to be with her in her final weeks. My mother died at age 70 of a sudden heart attack and as I was away at the time I learned about it in a voicemail my brother left me. How I wish I’d been with her then. On a brighter note, I have the Tecumseh quote prominently plastered in my closet so that I remember it each morning and evening as I get ready for or close the day. And finally, chocolate chip cookies are my absolute favorite food so thanks for that!
Thank you, Tina, for your sympathy and your story. Sharing our experiences is a human need, and the pandemic has certainly made that hard in physical form. Technology steps in and adds a poignant note. My mother’s answering machine and her sister’s text-to-landline robot exchanged messages yesterday while my sister and I sat together at Mom’s breakfast table. What an odd juxtaposition, but it made me very grateful that I could reach out and hold my sister as that message played. And I heard the longing in that message and sent my Aunt an email to acknowledge it.
Oh my, that’s amazing. You need to add it to your post Priscilla!
Well, here it is, in the comments! 😉
I’m sorry about your mother, but I am so happy you were able to do what you did and be with here. I know that meant so much to her and to you as well. We moved from Illinois to Arizona early this year so that we could spent time with my parents, who are 92 and almost 91. They’re still in reasonably good shape but with Covid, I do their grocery shopping and we help around the house and spend time with them regularly, something I haven’t been able to do since college, since I never live close enough. They tell me constantly how happy and thankful they are and it’s a blessing to be able to help and just be here.
I really like that last quote and enjoy all your photos as well. The “attitude of gratitude” is vital to happiness I think.
janet
It is such a good feeling to be there for our parents, remembering and honoring all the times they were there for us. ❤
I agree.
So sorry to hear about your mother, Priscilla. I’m glad you spent her final weeks.
My brother and I took turn to take care my father during his last few months. We still share the memories and times we spent with our father.
Hugs to you, Priscilla.
Thanks, Amy. Yes, it is a precious family time to have.
I am so glad you were able to spend time with your mother — definitely a treat. My mom’s last year was a sad one, and to compound the issue, I lived 12 hours away. I wish I could have had the quality time you said you had. Love your opening fall scene, too — Halloween is a mixed holiday — some scary, some pretty, some sad.
Indeed, it is. My sister Dharam’s birthday is the day after Halloween. She was the one attending Mom when she died, and she has 5 years of volunteer hospice experience. So much was right. The only thing that feels sad is how much I miss her already.
I miss my mom every day and wish I could have one more conversation with her.
((((( ❤ ))))) hugs!
Excellent. Great photos and colors. Sorry to hear about your mother. Loved StressedDesserts. Opposites attract, I suppose.
Thanks, John. I know a lot of DOG owners who might have an opposite theory…
I’m so sorry for your loss, you mum sounds like a wonderful and memorable person, I’ve really enjoyed reading your family stories over the years here. I agree that there’s almost always something to be grateful for, and there’s a comfort in that, even in the depths of despair, (though admittedly it can sometimes be hard to find it!)
Thank you. Gratitude is a rewarding practice.
Trying to find words, but all that comes is…
Sending a virtual hug, Priscilla. I understand the joy of seeing your mother off to a better place but also the sadness of the emptiness her passing leaves. It sounds like you will have many wonderful memories of your life with her to sooth your pain. Peace and safe comfort to you.
Thanks so much, Pat. So many memories…and photos. Now is when the hobby gives back.
I too was able to be with my mother when she died and while we were not as close as you and your mom, Priscilla I was thankful to be able to do that for her. Sending love and hugs xxx
Thanks, dear friend. ❤