Janet W. Ferguson 
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Blog: Under the Southern Sun

Ducks, Graceland, Momma, and Alzheimer’s

10/2/2014

18 Comments

 
Picture
My mother as I envision her in Heaven. Young and smiling.
I know I’m weird, but when my beautiful mother wanted to go on a trip out of town, I decided to take her to Graceland, despite the fact that she was in the middle-to-late stages of Alzheimer’s.

My sweet daughter agreed to help. We’d take Momma somewhere fun within three hours of home in case we needed to return the same day—a definite possibility. New Orleans seemed a bit much. The month of December made the beach less desirable. So … we headed from Jackson, Mississippi up I55 toward Memphis.

With reservations secured at The Peabody Hotel in Memphis, we headed straight to visit the home of the King of Rock and Roll.

We put on our headsets, and took our time listening to the story of Elvis. Though Momma had visited Graceland in the past, she delighted in the mansion as if the view was all new to her. We soaked in the atmosphere of the jungle room, the shag carpet, the 70s color schemes, the mirrors, and loved the music and history. The only problem in the house were some steep steps, but we managed. Once we’d seen all the mansion, the plethora of cars, and the jet called the Lisa Marie, we headed back to our luxury Southern hotel experience at The Peabody.

In the heart of Memphis, this iconic hotel gave us a grand Southern welcome. We sipped sweet tea in the lobby until time to line up and watch the ducks take their march to the fountain. This is a popular and fun, yet strange, tradition. We rode the elevator to the roof to take in the sweeping view of the city of Memphis. With our trip landing in the Christmas season, festive lights and decorations added to the beauty of the hotel and the city.

Normally, we’d go eat ribs and barbeque at the Rendezvous, but we were pretty tired, so we ate a hamburger at Huey’s across the street.

Night time with Alzheimer’s came as a bit of a surprise. I knew we’d need to make sure we stayed together all day, but not once we’d gone to bed. I didn’t realize Mom would wander in her sleep, but she kept going to the door of the hotel room and trying to open it and go out.  I slept with one eye open so I could stop her (over and over), but we made it.

This was the last trip like this we were able to take Mom on, and I treasure the memories. The funny thing was Mom gave my nephew all the credit for planning the trip. Had to laugh.

Peabody+Graceland=Fun Under the Southern Sun

Picture
18 Comments
Janell
10/2/2014 06:01:59 am

I am so happy for you and your continued success.

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Janet Ferguson link
11/3/2014 10:22:57 pm

Thanks for stopping in and for the kind words, Janell!

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Sherry Chrestman
10/2/2014 06:06:36 am

What a sweet story about the experiences that become such precious memories as we take care of our aging parents. It's strange, but we only remember specific moments of these adventures as time passes. The experience may have been difficult at the time but we wouldn't trade those moments for anything now.

This time of year was my father's favorite. He loved to visit East Tennessee during the fall as the leaves began to change and the mornings were covered by frost and the fog lay over the mountain tops. He looked forward to the afternoons when everyone returned home from a day's work. We would venture out into the countryside to see if he could catch a glimpse of deer. He was especially delighted when we would see droves of deer grazing on the hillsides. Often at night, he would receive phone calls from friends back home and he would be so happy to report that he had seen 25, 40 or even as many as 60 deer sometimes. It was sweet to hear his excitement over such simple things. How I wish I could hear that excitement in his voice just one more time!

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Janet Ferguson link
11/3/2014 10:21:14 pm

Sherry, What a beautiful thought! It is strange what we treasure. As my father aged into his 90s, he enjoyed when I combed his hair for him. Who knew how special that could be?
I was in north Mississippi for the weekend. It is stunning.

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Emily
10/2/2014 10:14:08 pm

Sounds like a wonderful trip, Janet! I love the picture of your mom, and I think that's how most of us would want to be remembered - smiling. Next time I travel south, I'm picking your brain for vacation ideas! :)

Reply
Janet Ferguson Author - Blog
10/2/2014 11:26:07 pm

Thanks, Emily! I'd like the younger pictures of myself if I have my choice. Vanity.
I'd love to suggest my favs if you come this way!

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Jackie Layton link
10/2/2014 10:56:52 pm

Thanks for sharing your sweet memories.

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Janet Ferguson Author - Blog
10/2/2014 11:27:28 pm

Thanks, Jackie! Remembering and laughing about the good times heals the hurt.

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Melodie link
10/4/2014 12:49:10 pm

Sweet memory and such precious pictures--both of them. Do you dream about your mom? I do of mine quite often, and it makes me feel like I've gotten to spend time around her.

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Janet Ferguson Author - Blog
10/4/2014 12:58:08 pm

That's nice that you dream of your mother. I'd say I dream about mine the same amount as I did before she passed. But it is nice when I do. Now that I'm older, I don't remember my dreams as much, though.

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Courtney Phillips link
10/5/2014 08:57:51 am

That is a sweet story. I live close to Memphis but haven't ever visited Graceland. I did spend one night in the Peabody though--the nicest hotel I've ever stayed in!

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Janet Ferguson Author - Blog
10/5/2014 10:07:30 am

Thanks, Courtney! Isn't the Peabody the best! See Graceland some time. it's a trip.

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Mary Kristen
10/14/2014 06:29:33 am

Awww sooo sweet!!! I miss grandmother so much!

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Janet Ferguson Author - Blog
10/14/2014 06:31:46 am

Me, too! A great lady! She loved you very much!

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Jess link
10/15/2014 02:04:21 pm

Hi Janet, I'm a Ferguson too, and have a sister-in-law named Janet. :) I enjoyed your sweet story. Thanks for sharing. I popped over from one of the ACFW groups on FB. Look forward to getting to know you.

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Janet Ferguson Author - Blog
10/15/2014 10:48:24 pm

Thanks for stopping by, Jess! I love my cyber-friends and critique partners from ACFW!

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Dani Edmonson
10/18/2014 08:53:28 am

Janet, your style is delightful! I cannot wait to read the full novel. So proud of you. I know how much time it takes to put together something like this. Major kudos to you and whomever helped make this happen for you. Go girl!!

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Janet Ferguson Author - Blog
10/18/2014 01:24:37 pm

Thanks so much, Dani! I'm learning to use this technology. I must say working in the computer lab at the school library helped!

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  • Home
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  • Blog: Under the Southern Sun
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