Basking in the sun 9/11/15

The cooler weather had me folding mom's shorts and stuffing them in the bottom drawer of her dresser.  Don't know if she'll wear shorts again--time for long pants. I laid out pants, longer-sleeved top and sweater for tomorrow.  As we walked from her apartment to the dining room, she asked what day is was, and I reminded her it was 9/11.  She paused and asked what had happened on that day--she knew it was something significant. We discussed briefly and Mom had a dim memory of the events that had transpired 14 years ago.  Sort of wish my memory of those events were as dim. As we walked into the dining room, Mom said what she does many times as we enter: "It's so cold in here."  And I suppose for someone who's barely 100 lbs. and is still wearing sandals, it is cold.  As we sipped hot coffee and nibbled on a cookie, I read the Courier Sentinel to her--she always asks if there's any news in there about my cousin Cindy.  We filled out her menu choices for the coming week (I X'd out many desserts, since those usually remain untouched).  Since I'd gotten her mail with her key, I laid it back on the table for her and she picked it up, studied it, and said, "What is this for?"  Another tug at my heart.  First time the keys on that neon pink wristlet had puzzled her.

The cloudy sky gave way to a ray of sunshine that spread throughout the room and Mom visibly purred as it fell upon her. She closed her eyes, seemed to sigh, and I knew the joys of that caress warmed and delighted her.  Enjoying the small pleasures of life.