Why are there so many pairs of scissors in my drawers?? I am well known amongst my friends for misplacing small items but it seemed that every drawer I opened, I found scissors. It didn’t dawn on me until one of the many encounters I had with my mother.

My mother used scissors to cut her long fingernails and as a form of protection. I hated that she cut her nails with scissors because a.) they were beautiful, and b.) why not use nail clippers? She wouldn’t have it any other way.

The problem with my mother owning scissors is the second reason mentioned above; protection. She kept them hidden under her pillow which was not a problem until she began living in a board and care with a roommate. There were periods where we (the staff and I) could not get her to take her psychotropic medications and therein problems ensued.

Prior to being diagnosed with cancer, Ruby could be a formidable person to encounter. No, she never harmed anyone but still… She was also antisocial and would not eat in the common dining area with the other residents. This made me sad because prior to her new residence, she seldom interacted with non-family.

When her symptoms were at their worse, she would threaten the attendants who brought her food. Bless them. Bless the administrator also who could have called the police but instead allowed me to deal with it. First, her meals were brought to her by a burly male. That was funny. The second course of action was stealing her scissors in front of her.

“Mommy. Mommy. I lost my phone. Can you help me look for it?” She’d rise from the chair wherein I proceeded to search under the covers and finally her pillow to slip the scissors into my sleeves. (I always wore long sleeves to make it more successful). My phone would magically appear and wala!

Once again, I’d have to begin the process of rebuilding her trust in me and the staff to get her to take her medication. “Are you in on it too?” she would demand more than ask searching for signs of lying.   She was paranoid and I was forgetful because finally I could get her to take her medications again. Then when the calm, soft spoken Ruby asked for another pair of scissors, I would provide them because I always obeyed my mother.