Member-only story
FOOD / LOVE / FAMILY / FAVOURITE THINGS / DEMENTIA / JOY
A Bite of Happiness!
Helping Mom discover foods she already loves.
“Can I help?”
Mom’s eyes sparkle as she stands next to me in the kitchen.
“Would you mind peeling the potatoes?” I ask.
“Is that what you do?” Mom queries. “I’d love to!” She picks up a potato with a puzzled look. “How do I peel a potato?”
“You can use this peeler, Mom. Press the little blade into the skin and push it away from yourself. Let’s get a paper towel to put the peelings on. This is so helpful! Thank you, Mom. I can get started on the chicken!”
I give Mom a squeeze, then step away slightly. I watch as the peeler jams into the potato but doesn’t do its job. When I notice she has the peeler upside down, I casually say, “Try it this way,” then step away again as though I’m not watching over her. She struggles in spits and spurts.
Unsure what to do next, it occurs to me that my ‘new’ style peeler doesn’t work for everyone. My husband likes the old-style peelers. Feeling bad, I feign surprise at myself.
“Oh, Mom! I’ve given you the wrong one,” I say. “Try this peeler; it works much better!”
