Member-only story
A Tribute to My Mum
Gladys (Beth) Audrey Guarascio Dec 2/1920–April 28/2013
The year my mother died she was 92 years old. She had a form of dementia for the previous couple of years that got progressively worse.
By the end, she only recognized me occasionally and for a short period of time. To be honest, it would have helped a little if I lived closer. I was very fortunate that both my sisters lived in the same city as mum did.
My mum lived in my younger sister’s home for many years. Finally, with all my sisters and my brother's agreement, we put her into a dementia home for her safety. It was a very difficult decision.
I lived just outside of Vancouver and mum and my sisters lived in Victoria, the capital city of BC, a couple of hours away by ferry. I was working full time and was only able to get over to see mum about every 6 weeks if that.
Each time I went over mum would need to be reminded of who I was. My sisters would say, ”Mum, here is Lee-Anne, your daughter, the nurse.” Mum would then carry on a conversation with me until she finally realized who I was. Then you could see it in her eyes that she was so excited to see me and remember who I was.
