My Mother was mostly a stay at home Mom and did a really good job of taking care of us. Consequently it is the most difficult thing for her to stop doing. I try to stay out of her way and let her continue to do the things that she can manage, even if she doesn’t quite get them right.

One task she always volunteers for is setting the table at mealtime. She jumps right in and most of the time does a good job of proper place setting. Tonight we did our parts, her setting the table and me cooking and serving the food. We both were seated at the table when she commented I had nothing to drink with my meal. Now this is something we go through at every meal because she likes a beverage with her meal and I rarely do. Obviously she is no longer capable of retaining that fact.

Right on schedule she offered to get up and get me a drink. I always decline, but she was already up and headed to the kitchen so I acquiesced and said “Thanks Mom that would be great. I will just take a drink of water .”  I heard the water running for a bit longer than I thought it should take to fill a glass but I just continued to wait for her to return.

Next thing I know Mom is walking very slowly in from the kitchen carrying a very large, stainless dog water bowl and promptly places it on the table in front of me. I would tell you I was shocked but this is the second time in as many months I have been served water this way! So I just thanked her and proceeded to eat my meal. And NO I did not go so far as drinking out of it….I am a huge dog lover but even I have my limits!