Wednesdays With Rita by Paul Kotz
Wednesdays With Ritaby Paul KotzMy mom is hilarious. We move from room to room for macular degeneration treatments. “Hey. What is that?” she opens with. She is pointing to a woman’s tattoo of a dolphin on her forearm. “It’s my favorite,” says the young nurse. “Oh, I like your earrings!” Mom charms the young lady. “Thank you. Rita, what is your birthday?” “April 14, 1934.” I listen so I can help when mom can’t hear. “Mom, you shaved a year off your age!” In my time with her she has never done this. “Mom, you were born in 1933.” The nurse said, “No problem, I can’t blame her. I do this myself.” We all laugh. We finish up with eye pressure checks and go back to another waiting room. “Pauly – I am taking up all of your time. If I had candy in my purse, you would get a bunch.” She continued. “You can check in my purse, but you will just take all of my money!” “No mom. But, I might take your candy stash.” I continued. “I never dive into a woman’s purse. It’s dangerous, and I might get lost in there and NEVER get out.” Then out of the blue, Rita chimes, “Why is that lady wearing skates in here?” I look to my right, and another young lady waiting with her own mom has very thick souled shoes. She is smiling at me, very understanding. I add, “Those aren’t skates, but very stylish shoes – plus she gets an added height advantage.” The lady nods and smiles at us. She might think we have lost our minds, or just finds us amusing. After the shots and visit with the doc mom states, “I can’t see. Can we get something to eat, too?” 
“Yes. You will be better tomorrow.” I put on her cool black shades that I got at the State Fair – sponsored by the famous Dairy Bar. The temple bars say, “Undeniably Dairy”. I drop her off, put her in her lazy girl chair, top her off with a blanket, text my brother and sister her status, and tell mom, “I love you.” ”I love you more,” is her standard comeback. She starts crying. I am not sure she knows it is me. She does get confused and mixes up the kids often, so I have my doubts. It doesn’t matter in the long run. She says nothing is wrong, but I fear she doesn’t want to be alone. I have learned that holding your mom’s hand and caressing her face is a golden moment. She stops crying for the moment. I stay until she falls asleep. As I exit her apartment, I hope she is sleeping soundly and is feeling at ease. And I smile for a woman who continues to live her life with grace..
Dr. Paul E. Kotz writes his winsome stories from the Twin Cities. He’s also Director – Doctorate of Business Administration Program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and the author of several encouraging books, which would make terrific gifts..Here’s another winsome story about Paul and his mother..Please check out Paul’s Amazon Author Page.
“Yes. You will be better tomorrow.” I put on her cool black shades that I got at the State Fair – sponsored by the famous Dairy Bar. The temple bars say, “Undeniably Dairy”. I drop her off, put her in her lazy girl chair, top her off with a blanket, text my brother and sister her status, and tell mom, “I love you.” ”I love you more,” is her standard comeback. She starts crying. I am not sure she knows it is me. She does get confused and mixes up the kids often, so I have my doubts. It doesn’t matter in the long run. She says nothing is wrong, but I fear she doesn’t want to be alone. I have learned that holding your mom’s hand and caressing her face is a golden moment. She stops crying for the moment. I stay until she falls asleep. As I exit her apartment, I hope she is sleeping soundly and is feeling at ease. And I smile for a woman who continues to live her life with grace..Dr. Paul E. Kotz writes his winsome stories from the Twin Cities. He’s also Director – Doctorate of Business Administration Program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and the author of several encouraging books, which would make terrific gifts..Here’s another winsome story about Paul and his mother..Please check out Paul’s Amazon Author Page.
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