Memoir Monday: Remembering My Determined Mom in a Rolling Romance

My mom was the type of woman who always enjoyed having a man in her life. As proof, she was married four times.

Single again at 89, she moved to a nursing home. It took her only a few days to notice a good looking man. She would station her wheelchair in the hallway and watch as he rolled by–and wait. He always turned and gave her a big smile.

She was excited and wanted to meet this dashing older man and told a few of the other ladies. “Well, get to the back of the line!” was their response. He was adored by them all—and they all vied for his attention.

Worse, he was a player! She was warned by a nurse.

Despite the admonishments and warnings, my mom remained undaunted. Even when it was clear that he spoke only Spanish and she spoke only English, she was not deterred.

For the four years in the nursing home, she would wait in the hallway for him. He would stop his wheelchair, take her hand, and give her his great smile. Then he’d roll on by leaving her mesmerized.