Sunday, April 18, 2010

Gorgeous Cherry Tree Blooms-Mosaic Monday



The cherry trees at the nursing home are in bloom. This has to be my favorite tree. I know I said that about the crabapple tree down the street, but I forgot all about this beauty. Besides, it's a woman's prerogative to change her mind.


I actually took pictures of it two times this week. The first time was Wednesday evening. They took Mom to the shower and I had a few minutes to walk around outside. Thankfully I carry a small Panasonic Lumix camera with me in my purse so I spent several minutes standing under this tree soaking in this magnificent beauty and taking pictures.




I was back again on Saturday to feed her breakfast and brought my Canon EOS 50D SLR.

All of the pictures above were taken with the Canon.




These were taken with the Panasonic.

I want to tell you about that sweet visit to the nursing home on Saturday. Alzheimer's is a tragic disease. My Mother-in-law was diagnosed with it about 14 years ago. Weighing only 76.8 pounds, she is now in the end stages and hasn't known who we are for several years. She can no longer speak understandable words. Her language ability is like infant gibberish before they learn to speak. She still smiles and tries to talk, but most of the time she sits with a vacant stare. While I was feeding her breakfast Saturday morning, she began to stroke my hair, then she patted and rubbed my face and patted my arm. It has been a very long time since she has shown any affection. I had to fight the tears that were streaming down my face. It was so special to have that affection from her. It totally made my day and the beautiful cherry tree was the icing on the cake.

I'm linking this post to Mosaic Monday Hosted by Mary at the Little Red House.

36 comments:

Sheila said...

Robin-
I had been wondering if your mother-in-law was still around but was afraid to ask. Thank you for this sweet post! It's been 11 months now since my MIL passed away. Her Alzheimer's seemed to advance fast & we didn't have to go through some of the times that you are experiencing. I'm sure you will treasuer this Saturday morning memory. Maybe the cherry trees are blooming especially beautifully for you this year!

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

Like you, I love these Kwanza Cherry trees. These blooms look like tiny clusters of pink roses and your photos are simply gorgeous!!!
What a sweet tribute to your Mother-in-law!!!

A Garden of Threads said...

Beautiful mosaic, the light shining through the blooms is so wonderful. I am glad you had that visit with your mother-in-law and I hope you have a wonderful week. Take care:)

Mary Lou said...

Must be the week for pink. I thought that way also.
My mother in law had the disease. My love goes to you and yours.

Bobbi Ann said...

Just beautiful mosaic!

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

I so know the feeling of having a loved one show affection,when all other faculties are failing.I had such an experience with my Dad,some years ago.
The flowers are stunning.Each one looks like a ladies frilly dress.
Blessings,Ruth

Unknown said...

Robin - your post was bittersweet - lovely blooms to share, but sadness about your mother-in-law. My father-in-law was the same before he passed - didn't know who we were mixed with moments of lucidity. Sad, sad, sad way for people to finish off their lives. She is so lucky to have you to help take care of her.

Anonymous said...

Looks as though your cherry blossoms were just as pretty as ours here in Virginia. They are of course gone now replaced by green leaves, but there's always next year, right?

They make a perfect mosaic.

Di
The Blue Ridge Gal

Jayne said...

What a poignant post. I got a lump in my throat as I read how your mother-in-law patted your arm and rubbed your face. I know how much that must have meant to you.
The cherry blossoms are wonderful. My parents used to have two cherry trees in the garden of their home in England and they blessed us with a blaze of pink every spring. They have long been a favorite.

Kay said...

how could ou not love this tree? and such a sweet encounter and connection with your mother in law

Natasha in Oz said...

This was such a special post in so many ways. Your photography is stunning and the story about your dear Mother-in -law was so beautiful. I am glad you had such a lovely day.

Best wishes,
Natasha.

Shirley said...

What wonderful images, Robin :-) What a special moment with your Mum-in-law too. I guess you will always think of her when you see cherry blossom now :-)

This struck a chord for me here. Not one for me but one for my close friend. Her Mother is also in a home and is also suffering from Alzheimer's. For the moment she can still talk but I had no idea that her language ability will be lost at some point in the future. I guess my friend does though. Sometimes she has special moments just painting her Mum’s nails. Fortunately I have no experience with this myself but seriously feel for my friend who tells me about her Mum. Understandably, sometimes when I ask she just says there’s not much change and she doesn’t want to talk about her. This truly is a tragic disease.

My thoughts are with both you and your Mum-in-law now too xo

Lisa at Greenbow said...

Of course you can change your mind as to your favorite. It all depends upon what is blooming at the time. Your MIL is so blessed to have you to care for her.

Naturegirl said...

Robin I know only too well the pain that you must feel with a parent diagnosed with Alzheimers.. for us a slow goodbye and yes we savor the good days.
Now that pink mosaic with all the cherry blossoms makes my heart feel light!
I posted my cherry blossoms too but they are white..my Bing cherry tree.

F Cameron said...

Robin, I'm so glad you had a special moment with your mother-in-law. My husband's mother has good and bad days, but can still speak and get around with supervision. It's been around 2 years since her diagnosis.

The photos are so lovely.

Amanda at 32˙North said...

Hi Robin,

The flowers are so perfect they look surreal - thanks for sharing such a burst of loveliness!

Amanda

Kate said...

I heard this story a few days ago and was very moved by it. Reading your post today made me think you my benefit from it as well. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=125869707

Linda/patchwork said...

What a beautiful moment, with flowers to match. Thanks for sharing with us.

God bless,
~~Linda...

Gardening in a Sandbox said...

Thank you for sharing that sweet story with us about your Mother in Law. She is so lucky to have you there to care for her. Many people abandon their loved ones to professionals because they do not want to bother with someone that does not know who they are. The cherry blossoms were spectacular. I think both cameras did a great job. Valerie

CommonWeeder said...

Alzheimer's is a terrible disease! It looks like those gorgeous cherry trees brought joy to a difficult day. Beautiful figures.

The Giraffe Head Tree said...

This is the week for cherry trees, for certain. My father-in-law had Alzheimer's. Bless you, Robin.

Jo Mayne Casey said...

I'm a nurse and have seen the ravaging effect of Alzheimer's. Sometimes it seems like they don't know you're there, but on some level, I believe they do. These moments are worth all the times you've felt invisible. Your pictures are beautiful. I'm new to your blog, but I love it!!

beckie said...

Robin, what a beautiful tree! I don't think I have ever seen one like this with the double-no triple blooms. I don't blame you for changing your mind. Your mosaics are wonderful and brought such a smile of delight to my face.

As did your story of your MIL. Such a dreadful disease. It robs everyone!

Cloudia said...

Bless you and your mom.

Such lovely pics: REVERIE!


Aloha from Waikiki


Comfort Spiral

Kylee Baumle said...

Robin, I'm so sorry you and your husband are having to deal with the tragedy of Alzheimer's. But it's wonderful you had the experience with her on Saturday.
Your cherry blossoms are GORGEOUS! What kind of cherry is it? They're so frilly!

chasity said...

the blossoms look like delicate pink tissues...lovely photos and a great mosaic!

sweetbay said...

My grandmother and my husband's grandmother had Alzheimer's late in life and it is very hard on families to watch its progression. How wonderful for you and your MIL that she was able to break through and connect.

That looks like a Kwansan Cherry. It's gorgeous.

Mary said...

Oh what beautiful blooms -- surely they are a salve to the spirit. Thanks so much for sharing your story and your beautiful images at MM. :)

Rose said...

You have every right to change your mind, Robin; in the spring my favorite tree is whatever is in bloom at the moment:) These cherry blossoms are exquisite!

Your story of your mother-in-law is so touching, Robin. Alzheimer's is such a horrible disease; I'm glad you had this special moment with her.

NCmountainwoman said...

Very poignant post. And yes, you can have several favorite trees!

RURAL said...

I am so sorry that even more people have to go through this pain. We have just ended our fight with Alzheimer's. It stole Rose, my Mother in Law from us, for so many years.

There are those brief moments when they seem to break through, and thank goodness they can. Those are the good memories that you will keep close to your heart.

Jen

Anonymous said...

Ooh so pretty. Their is a line of these planted at my local shopping center and their in full glory. :)

Anonymous said...

Oh goodness--I gasped when I saw your cherry collage. So beautiful.

I do understand about caring for someone elderly but my mom was in her right mind--mostly. She did give me lots of affection.

I'm glad you received some love and perhaps she did have some recollection for just bit. I hope so.

Joanne Olivieri said...

They are in bloom all over out here as well and I just love them. Your closeups of them are amazing.

Tammy@Simple Southern Happiness said...

My heart goes out to you and I feel your pain. What a touching moment you had with your MIL and a lovely memory to keep. May God give you strength and lift your heart. I will remember your MIL in my prayers as well as the family.

Your photography is so amazing, you do have an eye for it.

God's Blessings to you and yours.

Belinda ... said...

So beautiful!