Taking a Stand

Mom, not only a victim of severe dementia, but most recently, suffered a mild heart attack. However, she's a tough 90 yr old little thing, about 5' 1" weighing in at 96.4 lbs.
The Sunday after she returned from vacation (visiting my sister in Oregon), we all went to church. First time accompanied by wheelchair and oxygen tank. Even short distances can be too much for her right now, so we provided her with mobility via a few wheels, and our guidance.
Our church has a specifically designed back row for wheelchairs, making it possible for us all to sit together right beside mom.
This particular Sunday, coming in late as is often for us no matter how hard we work at being on time, we arrived just in time for the last song of worship. After parking mom, my husband, 23yr old son and I remained standing as is customary with the last song. Mom made an attempt to stand and I assured her she was just fine sitting. She seemed to be ok with that.
Worship ended, we all sat down, the message began and so on. The message was good. Mom followed along in her Bible as much as she could. Dementia allows very little comprehension time for reading.
At the closing of the service, it was time to sing one more song. With that, the congregation again stood. Mom, seeing the stance of everyone in the sanctuary, decided she too was going to stand. I patted her and smiling told her she was ok, she could stay seated. Well, she didn't listen and made another attempt.
You have to see here, it wasn't just that she is kind of weak, but there is an oxygen tube attached, that depending on her movement could either end up pulling her nose to one side or pulling that little double spike all the way up the sinus cavity, when in turn would have her throwing a tantrum. (you see where I'm going with this picture). Following her third attempt to stand, I sat next to her and told her to stop it. Just to sit. I noticed one of her feet off the foot platform and proceeded to assist by putting it back on for her. As I repositioned her right foot, her left foot was suddenly on the floor. (I'm slow at catching on here). So, I helped her and put her left foot back on the platform of the wheelchair. What next? Her right foot, I found to be on the floor again. As I went to once again return her right foot to it's resting place, I saw (yes saw) her drop her left foot to the floor. Just as I was getting ready to put that left foot back on the platform, she dropped her right foot as well. Was she determined to have her way or not?
Worship ended, the last song finished, it was time to go. I told her it was over, that was enough and it was time to go. She responded by tightening up her lips and scowling at me like she hadn't done since I was small and lied about throwing rocks over the backyard fence into the neighbors yard.
Wheeling her out, son handling the oxygen tank, I turned to him and commented what a strong stubborn streak his Grandma still had. He didn't hesitate to comment back....."Mom, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree."
Upon reaching the car, I asked mom if she was mad at me (considering it was really hard for her to smile at the usher with her buttoned-tight lips, when he wished her a good day and shook her hand). She responded with a new smile and sunshine in her eyes............no.
That's my mama. I love everything about her, even her stubborn streak - something that at often times breaks through the dementia and allowing us to see Mama is still Mama.