I’m still here in Elgin visiting with Mom. The birthday countdown is T minus 2. Her 87th birthday is Thursday. We’re not having a fancy party or big hoopla, just some of her lady friends that she normally meets every morning for coffee clutch, and anyone passing by. Last year we got caught short-handed with cake, not realizing it was visiting nurse blood pressure day. Everyone got cake, but a little tiny slice. This year we will be prepared. Tip Number One: always have more than enough cake for seniors. They like cake.
Now for trends. Mom got an iPhone for her birthday last year. Very trendy, right? She calls and takes photos, but sometimes forgets how to text. I told her she just needs to practice. So, yesterday, we sat side-by-side for about an hour and practiced texting messages and photos. Tip Number Two: if you give a senior an iPhone, be patient and teach them how to use it and practice with them. This goes along with Tip Number Three: get unlimited family texting. If you tell them to practice, guess what, they practice 100 times.
Traditions are important to me. When I come to Chicago, I spend a couple days with my boys. Matt and I eat massive quantities of Chicago style pizza.(I lied. I eat massive quantities, while Matt is lucky to get two slices. I’m sorry. You can’t get great pizza in Texas.) Joe and I have a traditional day at the Art Institute where I make him pose for the mandatory “Ferris Buehler’s Day Off” picture.
Ferris’ best friend, Cameron, stares at Seurat’s painting, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte from 1884.
Joe waits a long time for the other visitors to clear a space for me to get my photo. He was very patient. Tradition and Tip Number Four: be patient with your mother when she is a nut.
And my last tradition and tip for today: have fun with old friends, always a standard. I had lunch with my friends Kathy and Debbie. We taught junior high together way back in the late 70’s-early 80’s. We still keep in touch, reminisce about the old days and catch up with the latest family adventures.
Friends and family: great traditions, great fun, LIFE IS GOOD!
Toni Andrukaitis 