Techie Mom

Mom has always been good with us and all the new technology we bring her. When we got her a microwave, she didn't think she would like it but sure enough, it didn't take her long to become dependent on it. Next came the DVD player. Again, mastered in no time. So it shouldn't surprise anyone when I say that today we made our 3rd Skype call.

But let me take you back to the 1st call. My sister and I talked about doing this so we set up a time and off I went to Mom's. pull out the laptop, push a few buttons and magic, making a video call, using the web. Then there she was, my sister, front and center on my computer. Wasn't I a good daughter and I turned expecting the deserved recognition. But Mom was frozen in time, just staring at the screen. We both tried bringing her out of this trance for what seemed like minutes. Finally, she looked at me and said, "Is that Nancy?" "Yes, Mom. Talk to her." Finally, a few sounds emerged but nothing that sounded like any real words. She was mesmerized. Isn't technology great? she uttered to everyone willing to listen to how she spoke to her daughter, thru the computer (I'd say "spoke" was a stretch).

Now, with the 3rd call, she is no longer a rookie. Natural as can be. Welcome to the big leagues, Mom!

Sports Mom

One of the best trips Marian Manor has done is to take some of the residents to PNC Park for a baseball game. Mom loves to get into what she is doing (well, maybe that is more me getting Mom all geared out). But she is always a good sport about it. The game was fun (of course, the Buccos lost) but Mom was even more impressed with the view of her former church, St Mary of the Mount in Mt Washington, way up on the top of the hill. We had a clear shot of it from our seats.

Political Mom

Well, the Presidential campaign of 2008 was a historical one, not because it was the first major African American candidate for president and the frist time we actually believed we could have a woman president, but rather because the campaign went through Marian Manor. And wouldn't you know it but Mom actually talked to Bill Clinton (after all, she was the President of Resident Council at the time). Funny thing about this picture. Note the sign Mom is holding. She was NOT a Hillary fan. But I guess everyone gets caught up in the moment and the charms of Bill.

Marge, Margaret, Midge, Red, even Mike. She has been know by many names but of course the one I know her by is Mom. I should have done this years ago. She is getting ready to turn 92 and her family is spread out all over the place. So why should I be the only one to enjoy these times with her. So off we go on this journey to share her laughter and struggles.

I suggest everyone who know her and has some interesting stories to tell, to share with all of us. This could be interesting.