Those of you that know my Mom, know that it was a rare moment that she didn’t have her purse with her. When I would drive to my home town and we would go out for the day, her first comment to me was, “Where is my purse?”. Normally it was found right by her bed or by her chair. The purse has witnessed a lot and could most likely tell some stories.
The history of her favorite purse shall remain partly a secret, mainly the price. When I worked in an office building, Steve will tell you the worst thing that could have happened to me is that a photographer moved downstairs. I loved his work and he used Sophia in some of his ads and marketing. I will admit that I went a little crazy with photos. One night, he brought up a purse he had made with Sophia’s picture on it. I instantly thought, Mom is going to love this! He had me hook, line and sinker. I didn’t really ask the cost at the time, which I should of. The cost of it will always be a secret, nor does it matter. I knew it was the best gift for Mom.
I don’t remember exactly when I gave it to her, it might have been for her birthday. I know that she had the biggest smile on her face and instantly ditched her blue, fake leather, old purse. Her granddaughter was now on display in the form of a purse. It’s funny, when I think of it, I never once wanted the purse for me, just for Mom. To say I had bought her the best gift is an understatement.
That purse has been through a lot.
I remember when my parents went to Yuma for the winter, Dad would call and tell me the stories of Mom forgetting her purse at the café, the casino and at their friend’s house. I heard it almost every time I called and I could tell my Dad did not understand the start of her memory loss. I covered for her since I have also forgotten my purse a time or two. In full disclosure, a few months ago, I forgot my purse at home, three days in a row. THREE DAYS! My tendency to cover for her was great. My Dad knew it and I covered for her as only a daughter will do.
I covered so well for her, I about lost my mind two years ago. On a phone call to her, she casually stated that she couldn’t find her purse. I asked if she looked in all of her normal spots and she had. I called her assisted living building at the time and they could not find it in her room. Please remember, Mom lived in a small town and I wasn’t quite so worried; it will show up somewhere.
Day two, day three, day four…no purse.
I am starting to panic now since I realize she has her checkbook and all of her cards (SS, medical, license) all of the stuff I should have taken out and put in a safe spot. I am also realizing that I have failed her, just a little. I really wrestled with the fact of letting her keep her checkbook and for her to write checks. I knew she only wrote out a few checks to the Waters Edge, church and to get her hair done. I would come every month and pay the rest of her bills. There was a part of me that did not want to take away her checkbook because then I would know she couldn’t handle something as simple as writing out checks. It’s similar to taking away your drivers license. It simply came down to independence for her, and her writing those few checks. I don’t know why I kept those important cards in her purse still. She took her purse everywhere with her, and I would just pull them out at the doctors office or if we needed to fill out forms. Handy, right in her purse and now the purse is missing.
I spent one day calling every friend and spot I thought she had been at. I called The Edge, Tom’s Food Pride, Fron Church, Bremer Bank and Samuelson’s Drug Store. No Purse. I even spoke to Lois, the church secretary twice. I can’t believe her purse is gone and I am mad at myself.
I believe it was day five, Lois called from Church and gave me the good news that they had checked again in the pews and it was tucked under the pew and they found it. Everything was intact and nothing was missing. Hence, it was found at church and in my beautiful small town where everyone knows whose purse that was. I am so grateful to Lois, who looked just one more time and found it.
The purse has been on vacations with her, witnessed a second grandchild be born, held close to her arm when she buried her husband, been forgotten a time or two and has been on this journey with her. It’s moved from her home, to the assisted living and now to her memory care unit. I noted it today, hanging from her bed post and still in sight for her. It is hardly used but carries some mints, some spare change, a pen, dental floss and a few pictures of my girls. Her checkbook and cards are gone and hidden in my desk.
That purse, for what is it worth, was the best investment. It filled my Mom up with joy, pride, love and excitement. It was worth every cent…
The Lemon Bar Queen 