A Mother’s Day gift to remember

By Jennifer Pierce, NEWS 9

Mother's day may have been yesterday, but that doesn't mean we can't show our moms how thankful we are for what they've done for us.

One metro man is doing just that with the gift of time.

Even when it's not Mother's Day you will likely find Joe Reasor walking hand-in-hand with his mother Wanda around the Timberwood Assisted Living Center.

"We know that while we're here she's enjoying our visit even if she can't communicate that so much," Joe said.

Wanda was diagnosed with Alzheimer's four years ago.

She can't recognize herself in pictures and doesn't remember that Joe is her son.

"I think she thinks of me as a good friend that comes by everyday and takes her somewhere," Joe said.

Wanda enjoys and looks forward to her son's daily visits.

"Five minutes after I'm gone she won't know if been here, but she will tell the staff during the day, ‘When is Joe coming?'" Joe said.

She rarely leaves his side. And Timberwood staff has noticed Wanda becomes quit possessive of their time together, especially when other females are involved.

"If you start talking to her or be interfering, she gets real agitated so you have to back up," Linda Parker, Timberwood staff, said.

While Alzheimer's is a debilitating disease, it hasn't stopped Wanda from doing what she loves.

"She loves music and if she's in a room and the music starts she'll still dance and she'll keep with the beat too," Joe said.

The daily visits can be hard on Joe emotionally, but he said caring for his mother is a priority.

"Mom had four boys and took care of all of us and now we need to take care of her a little bit," Joe said.