Kristen Lequire Photography-My Mom

Last year I asked my friend Kristen Lequire to take pictures of my Mother with my kids. Thinking about that decision now I wish I had done this yearly. I have to admit that I am frustrated reading posts about Mother's Day and what to buy them when in reality do they want anything but love from their children? I don't blame the people writing these posts but I think I have entered the angry phase of grief. You get to buy your Mom perfume but my Mom wouldn't know what to do with it.

 I think the place I am in with my Mom's Alzheimer's has put me in a position to look at my memories of and with her and realize that at this point a "thing" isn't what she wants at all. Maybe some flowers, framed photos and time. Time is the gift I wish I could give her. I will pat myself on the back and admit that I have done a generous amount of quick trips up to Asheville for her birthday or Mother's day or just to spend time with my parents over the years. Right now of course, as a mother myself, I would love a new dress or some new shoes but I think when I'm in my 60's I want time. Time with my kids. Memories. Moments. Love. Hugs and Kisses and hand-holding. Group shots on the ever present Pawleys Island hammock and bloodys with Dad's Shrimp and Grits. 

It was a rainy and dark day that Kristen came to the house for photos and she still captured the bright beautiful smile of my Mother. Thank you for these Kristen, I will cherish them forever.

BB turns 68 next week and along with Mother's Day I hope we get to have a beautiful celebration for her. 

#ENDALZ

Mother's Day Gift Ideas-Alzheimer's Version

May is a pretty big month for us. My mother's birthday is May 3rd which is always Alumni Weekend at Christ School. This means she ends up celebrating with red beans and rice and all of my Dad's buddies.

Christ School Alumni Weekend this year. Mom (Husband Class of 66) Aunt Jennifer (Husband Class of 69)
Then the following weekend is always Mother's Day so she gets back-to-back celebrations.

Here are my picks for Miss BB. 

Gorjana Teagan Cuff $120

Mom Rule-She can't have any more earrings or necklaces. Bracelets are fine. She has too many earrings and when she loses one she gets really upset so they aren't a great gift anymore. This cuff is beautiful and would be easy to put on, no clasps!

Banana Republic Geo Print Shirtdress $110

Loose easy on/easy off clothes work the best for my Mom these days. The arthritis in her hands make it difficult to close pants with buttons/zippers/etc and this dress would pull on easily. 30% off with BRSPLURGE

Gap Floral Drawstring Dress $32.99

Another perfect dress for BB. Easy to pull on and perfect to wear with her Jack Rogers or flip flops. We bought one similar to this last year from Ann Taylor Loft for her and she wore it tons!

Chanel Chance Eau Tendre Perfume $90

BB is out of her favorite perfume and has been using whatever samples are in her drawer. Those are difficult to open and she loved this one at Nordstrom! (This was her Birthday gift from me!) ALZ Trick-Throw away the cap. 

Blankets and sweaters

We have always kept the house pretty chilly up in Asheville but I think Alzheimer's has made the cooler air more uncomfortable on Mom. These two picks would be perfect for her on cooler summer nights.

Softest Throw from West Elm $29


Sapphire Flame Cardigan from Anthropologie $128
(I kind of want this too!)

Plants, Pots, and Garden Items
These are always great items for my Mom. "Busy" projects like watering all of their plants bring her joy and make her feel useful. You can never have enough plants! She has had a green thumb all of her life and from the tiniest ferns to the biggest Ficus trees she takes care of them all!

Gorgeous blue and white pot from Surroundings
(Would also love this! You could fill it with all sorts of things, brushes, snacks, plants...etc)

Maidenhair Fern from Gardener's Cottage in Asheville

Photo Album Clutch $12.50

I think this will be the best gift idea for Mom this year. Similar to what I will be doing with her birthday card project but I will print out 20 pictures (immediate family members, Best friends, jazzercise girls) and have their names in bold big letters across the bottom of the photo. That way if she can't remember a name she has a book in her purse to help her communicate.

What are you getting your Moms this year? I'm so excited for my gift to arrive!!! 

I ordered the Kate Long Stevenson Hope Heals Art print "For James" for myself and cannot wait to hang it in my office. Gorgeous work Katie!

xoxo,

K

Mother's Day is Coming

Thank you P&G