Family history.

About three weeks ago my mother-in-law moved to a care home on a trial basis. With virtually no short-term memory left we were worried that she wouldn't understand where she was and would get very disorientated and distressed, even though it was increasingly obvious that she couldn't continue as she was. They were unfounded fears, however, as thankfully she is very happy there and positively thriving now. She seems to fully understand and accept the situation but even though she had carers coming in four times a day at home, it's just not the same as having people around all the time to talk to. She has really settled in well and wants to stay and so the process of clearing her house has started.

I used to spend hours with my wonderful father-in-law, going through old family photographs and listening to the stories behind no end of knick-knacks and other things which were special to him. And thank goodness I did. Although he sadly passed away over four years ago, working through the boxes and boxes of things which we've brought home to sort it's like he's come back to life and I can hear him telling me about everything as clear as if he's sat right next to me.

My children know a great deal about my family's history but this has given me the chance to tell them more about my husband's family and hopefully they will one day pass that on to their own children.


Word of the Day

Reminiscence