Mom and Chris
My husband Chris and I are in a season of the unknown. We’ve temporarily relocated to my mother-in-law’s California home and we have no idea how long we’ll be here. It could be a month. It could be three. We’re in a “Wait and see” mode and trusting that the Lord will guide each day. Although Mom has had a few health challenges, she is an easy person to be around. Even at 91, she’s positive and joyful. In explaining her to someone she’s never met, the phrase a little Irish Angel is my go-to line. It’s the perfect description of her.
I often say I am doubly blessed because my husband takes after her in many ways and I can gauge what he’ll be like as he ages. You might think living with these two amazing individuals is a walk in the park, however, it’s not without its challenges. I’m writing this with a smile on my face, grateful that I have a sense of humor.
Mom lives in a retirement community—only those 55 and older need apply. Knowing how important regular exercise is to us, Chris’s sister suggested we register with the community office so we can have access to the wonderful gym provided for residents. All we had to do was bring Mom in to verify our residency.
“You mean you want me to lie?” Mom asked with a twinkle in her eye.
“It’s not a lie, Mom,” Chris assured her. “We are living here, at least temporarily. We even forwarded our mail here.”
Knowing how chatty (and often confused) Mom can be, he coached her on the drive down to the office. “Remember Mom, we live here.” The three of us went in and the sweet young woman working the front desk walked us through the process.
“I need to see your driver’s licenses to verify your age,” she said. After glancing at them, she gave Chris a big smile. “You came from Tennessee? I’ve always wanted to visit Tennessee.”
“Yes, we love it there,” Chris said. “We left California to move out there last summer.”
What? I gave him the look, which he didn’t seem to translate. Then I raised my eyebrows and tried it again. Immediately he grimaced, realizing his mistake. Fortunately, the gal at the front desk deals with confused residents all the time, and didn’t question him. We laughed about it all the way home. “It seems it wasn’t Mom we should have been coaching,” I told him.
The next afternoon, we were cooking up a batch of pasta sauce while Mom sat in her beloved sunroom. There is a pass through window into the sunroom over the kitchen sink, so although we’re in the next room, we’re closely connected. Mom was on the phone with one of her friends. That’s another thing about her—she’s very relational. She went to St. James Catholic School in San Francisco and has maintained an 85-year friendship with those she attended school with—at least those who are still surviving. We tuned out her chatter so it took me a few minutes to realize she was telling her friend about my book.
“Yes,” she said. “It’s very good. You should read it. My daughter-in-law’s name is Jennifer. Of course, her last name is Sienes, like me.” She listened for a moment. Then, “Oh, hang on, I don’t remember.” She looked up at me through the pass-through window. “Jennifer, what’s the name of your book?”
“It’s called Surrendered, Mom.”
She nodded then spoke into the phone. “It’s called The Avenger.”
Chris and I both laughed. “No, Mom,” I said. “Surrendered.” I enunciated the word slowly so she could hear me. Talk about confusing. Marvel Comic Series versus Contemporary Christian Fiction.
It’s characters like Mom that make writing so fun—and you can bet, God willing, she will be reprised in an upcoming novel. Meanwhile, I’m jotting down all the humorous anecdotes she blesses me with along the way.
Comments 2
What a great way to start off my morning at work. I had to literally lol at “The Avengers”. Enjoy time spent out there with her.
I love this! I know you will treasure the time you spent with her for many years. Please know I love you both and give your mother-in-law my love as well.