My mother came into my bedroom today. She had a look on her face that looked like the sky was falling down. I felt my blood pressure go up like I was switching into emergency mode. She told me with the greatest seriousness that we were going to run out of margarine, that she would have enough for this morning, but that I would have to buy some for tomorrow.
Oh. You would have thought that something awful had befallen us. I could see the look of relief when I told her I would get some today.
It would have been tempting to get irritated at the seriousness of the Great Margarine Shortage, but then I realized that her life has come down to a few things that she depends on. She cooks her own breakfast and the lack of margarine would have disrupted her normal activities completely. What seemed trivial to me was very important to her. It was a big part of her life now.
I wish all the world crises could be solved so easily. A trip to the grocery store and all will be okay.
Sometimes we forget the simple things...like mom likes playing rummy...you would think I did some great thing by playing 4 hands of rummy...sometimes I am too tired but she just lights up...about rummy, win or lose.
God Bless all you other care givers out there. Buy some margarine, plan out your meals, play some rummy and remember we are doing this because we love this person...right? and want to make his/her life better....
Thank you.
Good for you for realizing how important the margarine was for her!.