Laverne, our caregiver, bought Dad a pajama set for Christmas. It has a pair of flannel plaid pants with a Henley type shirt. Dad looks so cute in it. It’s a little bit big and baggy on his frame as if he’s wearing a set handed down from a big brother. He usually wears a mismatched t-shirt and shorts so I’m glad to see him in a more presentable outfit! When I complimented him on his new PJ’s, he acted surprised. He promptly told me that he doesn’t sleep in pajamas, so this is loungewear. Whatever he calls it, I like it.
Mom also has new gowns this Christmas. Clara bought Mom flannel gowns for Christmas last year, but they were long-sleeved and Mom would pick at the cuffs. Clara recently cut the sleeves off and hemmed them so they now reach down to Mom’s elbow. Mom likes them; she’s certainly warmer than her lightweight cotton gowns. They are quite a bit longer than her other gowns so it has taken a bit of time to get used to managing more fabric!
If you were to drop by the Bunn house, you’d catch most of us lounging around in our PJs (not the caregivers, of course.) Some days I don’t change until I start teaching although I’m mighty tempted to greet my early morning students in my pajamas! We have a pretty relaxed style around here.
I have some precious friends who never face the world without being perfectly put together. (You know who you are!) I’m not sure they even face their first cup of coffee without every hair in place and expertly applied makeup. At our early morning appointments, they look ready to take on a meeting at the White House when I can hardly bother to do more than brush my teeth and maybe do something with my hair.
I often wonder why I’m so casual in my appearance and they take such care. I think I’m simply too lazy to go all out for much of anything. I prefer comfort and ease. Even for concerts, I usually only bother with lipstick and eyeliner!
Mom was always put together when we went out together. It didn’t matter if we were going shopping or going to church; she had her nose powdered and her lipstick applied. Her jewelry matched and her shoes were buffed. Dad is always neat and tucked when he goes out. I don’t ever recall seeing him in an untucked shirt in public. On Sundays when he goes to church, he’s in a suit and tie.
I do admire those perfectly coiffed people. I’d passively like to be one of those people. It’s much like my desire to be slimmer; I love the idea, but I’m unwilling to do the work.
One of the things I miss about Mom is her sense of style and polish. In her current circumstance, she doesn’t like to have anyone comb her hair or wash her face. Of course, we still do it, but it comes with quite a struggle from her. She has not lost her radiant smile, however. Thankfully, she still has a beautiful smile and that is the most precious gift of all.
So, if you come to visit, you may find us in our pajamas with wild hair, but we’ll be smiling!
