Monday my mom calls, “Can you take me to the doctor this week?”
“I’m working Wednesday and Thursday,” I replied. “What’s the matter?” She had not complained of any ailments the last time I talked to her, so I am puzzled about needing to go to the doctor.
“I fell at church. I don’t know what happened. I didn’t trip or slip. I just went down. Jackie (a neighbor) thinks maybe it has to do with an inner ear thing,” she responds.
She calls the doctor and gets an appointment for Tuesday. We go to the appointment. She brings a cane for extra support. The doctor listens. I listen and learn this fall did not happen on Sunday, but on the previous Thursday. What?! Why didn’t you tell me before today? The doctor instructs her to perform a variety of actions. He is not concerned, she has passed the neural systems test. Perhaps she has a bit of  vertigo. Perhaps it could be some fluid in her inner ear. We will monitor her and see if there is improvement within ten days.
This photo was taken on her 85th birthday in February.
I celebrate how quickly she was able to get into her doctor. I celebrate that the doctor is not very concerned. I celebrate that I was able to take my mom to the doctor. I celebrate that I still have my mom and she is only twelve minutes away.
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elsie tries writing 
Boy oh boy, is this story familiar. My mom is 82. She’s about an hour and 15 minutes away, and we have lots of these kinds of conversations, where I am trying to piece together pieces of a not quite whole story. Thankfully, my sisters are closer.
Wonderful photo! And I also celebrate for you and your mom that the doctor doesn’t think this is cause for concern.
i love how the slice reveals the relationship: you are in tune with each other and you are close and you will care and be there for each other. This is special! There is a reason you are only 12 miles away. I love the photo, too! You guys look great!
What a lovely photo of the two of you. So gald all is well with your Mom.
That picture is awesome! I’m so glad the doctor did not seem overly concerned. My grandma suffered from vertigo frequently. She called it, “the dizzy head.” I hope your mom feels better soon!
I love the way that you decided to look for all the reasons to celebrate something that many other people would not have celebrated, elsie!
I LOVE your celebrations and love you photo. Just 12 minutes away, how fabulous and she is so stinking cute. I hope she doesn’t have any more falls.
It’s funny and concerning at the same time when you don’t get the whole story. My Mom is about the same age and I share in your celebration for good health. Was that a picture a selfie? Love it!
Yes, it was. Thanks!
Your mom looks so sweet! That’s really nice that you live so close, and that you are able to do things for her. Glad she’s doing okay!
Your mom is beautiful! Your smiles! Love them! Glad to hear the good news and celebrating with you!
I hope you have lots to continue ue to celebrate with your mom. Love the picture, too.
Those are certainly things to celebrate. I imagine your mother is also celebrating.
Every moment is precious. Take advantage of that 12 minute distance. Lucky you!
I’m so glad you were able to take her to the doctor and that she is okay. I like how you look at all the positives of a situation and name all the things to celebrate.
So much to celebrate, especially having your Mom nearby. Glad that she didn’t break anything when she fell – she is very fortunate. Hoping and praying that she will remain healthy. Great pic of the two of you.
I celebrate your sharing and caring and reminding us to celebrate all the little ups, downs, bumps and smiles of life! Thank you!
Glad all is well and you are close by for support. This is what matters.
Love seeing your picture, Elsie. I’m so glad that you have all those things to celebrate, especially that the doctor thought things are okay. A fall is nothing to ignore, and your mom was right to be concerned.
Love this pic of the two of you together. Glad you could celebrate this doctor visit. I remember wondering why my sisters keep having trouble with falling. And now I’m constantly catching myself.
I celebrate that she has you for her daughter 🙂
This is a positive visit to the doctors. Wishing you both many healthy years together.
Your post made me miss my Mom who’s been dead for about twelve years. I loved picking up the phone and hearing her voice, and I know she felt the same. You are both fortunate to have such proximity both in distance and in spirit. It took my Mom and me a loooooong time to settle some issues from the past, but things were wonderful after that. Thanks for sharing such a lovely photo of both of you.
This is a celebration Elsie! Lovely picture of the two of you and so glad your mom is doing ok!
Those are all calls for celebration! Beautiful pic of the two of you. A selfie win! I’m glad for all your reasons too. I hope she’s feeling more like herself
Glad everything turned out ok and that you were able yo get in so quickly. You do have a lot to celebrate!
I love that you celebrate those moments. Beautiful slice.
All wonderful things to celebrate. Glad your mom passed her tests.
She did. 🙂
My mom has had issues with vertigo, too. Scary. Glad all is well.
Your love for your mom and your gratitude shine through this post. How fortunate you are to have each other.
Falling is so scary for older people, and most don’t want to admit that they are hurt. Your mom looks like a lovely person.
I can feel the love you have for your mother. Aren’t they just the best? I still have both my parents. We almost lost my dad last summer, and although I am 46, I am not ready to lose either. I am celebrating with you that your mother is doing well!
You both are beautiful an fortunate to have each other.