Love is Blue.

My mother is moving in with us.

She’s almost 86 and has been living with heart disease since her early forties. Mentally, she’s sharp as a tack, but physically she’s finding it harder and harder to manage. Which is why she’s leaving her apartment and moving into my home. When it comes to heart disease, my mother is my hero. Despite living with heart disease for over 40 years, plus a triple bypass, a pacemaker, and a valve problem, her ticker keeps going. Better than a Timex!

So back to the move. It was a big decision for all of us – and some folks have told me we’re crazy – but when it comes right down to it, she’s my mom so why not!

I’m in the midst of preparations for her arrival. We purchased an Acorn Stair Lift so she can navigate the stairs, a walker since the one she has right now is borrowed and has to be returned, and I’m shopping for a “lift chair” or as I call it – a tippy chair. She has one already but she’ll need a second one in our big house.

So where does “love is blue” come in?

I asked my mother if she had any preferences around the color of her room. At first she said, “Oh no. The way it is is just fine.” Then later she said, “I’ve been thinking about it and you know, I’d really love to have a blue room.” “What color blue,” I asked – and she showed me the backside of a decorative pillow she has. “This is the color,” she said – emphatically.

Back in Edmonton, I had to try to match the color by memory. I settled on a CIL paint color called “Geoffrey’s Room.” It’s on the walls now and it looks fantastic. With the white trim it looks fresh and soothing. I know she’s going to LOVE it.

As I was painting the room, I recalled that when I was a gymnast in my teens, my theme for the floor routine one year was Henry Mancini’s “Love is Blue.” Ever since then, my mother has always referred to it as my song. It always makes her think of me.

Last night as I was finishing up at almost midnight, I was humming my song. And standing in the newly painted room, I realized in this case, love really is blue.