Oh yes that reminds me

Like early Ford automobiles: You can have any color you want as long as it's black.

I'm back in Greenville, at my dying mother's bedside.

I was gone for about a week for a long-scheduled trip to the beach with my family, and her health has further declined since I was last here.

There is a recliner in her room so I sit here while she naps, listening to the droning motor and periodic gasping sound of her oxygen machine.

We have busy mornings getting her fed and situated, then waiting for the hospice nurse and aide to come and tend to Mom's needs in ways that we cannot because we aren't trained that way.

So I thank God for those dedicated and compassionate, always-cheerful souls.

Yesterday as I sat in the room that was semi-dark because it was cloudy outside, Mom got my attention and pointed to the little table beside the chair I occupied.

Have some candy, she said. Shawn brought it and I can't eat it.

Ever obedient to my mother and anxious to do as I was told without delay, I looked and saw the iconic box of Russell Stover chocolates to which she referred.

I couldn't believe I'd missed it.

(Shawn, my baby brother, lives in Galveston, Texas and has flown in several times to spend a few days with Mom. Having been here in my brief absence, he brought flowers as always, but this time had presented her with a box of candy too. Good man.)

I lifted the lid and chose a chocolate. At exactly the same time, Brittany texted me so I took a picture of the candy and sent it to her, figuring she could drool over it from afar.

I got a raspberry cream, I told her. 

Later I pilfered another piece from a different section of the box and was amazed to learn that, twice in a row, I had randomly chosen a raspberry cream.

Or creme, as I like to think of it.

So then today, after lunch, Mom again napping, I looked over and saw the box of chocolates.

Quietly so as not to get caught wake her, I reached in and chose another candy, wondering what I'd get.

Raspberry creme cream. Again.

Then the nickel dropped and I inspected the collection of chocolates with suspicion.

They're ALL raspberry creme creams, I realized. Every last one of them. This is not an assortment but a big box of all the same thing.

Meet Skelly: A gift from my tar heel grandchildren while we were at the beach.

That explains why there was no legend on the inside of the box, functioning as a treasure map as it were, to lead a pirate to her preferred varieties and helping said pirate to avoid biting into one containing toothpaste.

(Having done me pirate research, I now know that technically these candies are referred to as Dark Chocolate Raspberry Parfaits, and yes they are sold in thirteen-point-five-ounce boxes that, once the outer wrapper is removed, does not readily identify what sort of confection is within.)

If you arrive late to the party, as I did, you have no choice but to sample them. Which I am happy to exercise my pirate privilege and do.

And in this case, with delicious results.

But this box of chocolates reminds me of liberals. No matter what you think you may get, you're always going to get the same thing.

And unlike what comes in a Russell Stover box, you're not going to like it.

Not sweet. Bitter.

Remember that a few weeks hence, on voting day.

The pirate will be voting in person.

And that is all for now.

=0=0=0=

Happy Monday

Comments

[Mari]

You had me going for a few minutes there - another raspberry cream? :) Shawn is a smart one to get a whole box of them.
And the raspberry cream sure does beat the liberals. I too will be voting, and there is no doubt who I will be voting for!
Prayers continue. xoxo

[Ginny Hartzler]

I am so very sorry about your mom. My first thought is that they should have a notice on the box itself to say what lies within!

[Jennifer]

@Mari ... You're a good woman worthy of pirate praise! Hahahaha I never knew they sold those boxes of chocolates all in one flavor. That's because I cannot be buying said boxes, much less eating what's inside. xoxo

@Ginny ... Thank you friend, and I agree. I think my disadvantage was showing up after the cellophane wrapper had been removed. It no doubt had all the information one needed to make an informed choice of chocolate. But no real harm was done. Hahahaha! xoxo

[Jeanette]

I'm so sorry about your mom. Hospice workers are wonderful people arem't they? I love Russell Stover candies!

[Barb]

Oh sweet Jenny - you've turned those raspberry creams or parfaits into a metaphor. I'm glad you're still sitting by your mother's bedside, listening, taiking, and just thinking. My thoughts are with you and your mother. Many hugs from CO.

[Barb]

PS Bob enjoyed your post.

[Jennifer]

@Jeanette ... yes they certainly are! Angels on this earth. And I hope I don't eat the whole box of chocolates and the box too, haaaahhaa xoxo

@Barb ... Yay Bob reads me! That's an honor, as it is to be read by your darling self. Thank you for your thoughts as I know they are meant for blessings. xoxo

[Judy]

Because I haven't been blogging or even reading blogs, I didn't know your Mom was so ill.
This makes me so sad, but I think I know how she feels.
The treatments would make her feel worse and in the long run wouldn't do a bit of good. We would rather have our last days be pain free and aware of what is going on, than sick and drugged out of our minds. How wonderful for you to know, for sure, that she is a Christian, a true Christian and will be with the Lord. Stay as strong as you can, Dear Friend.

[Jennifer]

@Judy ... Thank you so much for stopping by and for your thoughts. You are correct on all counts. Hope you're doing well as the cool weather sets in, which I know you love. xoxo