Over the last year I’ve been trying to find the right path to communicate with my lovely friend suffering from Alzheimers. While I could, I took her out to hopefully familiar places and friends. When her watch showed noon it was time to find somewhere to eat. Lager and lime, fish no batter, chips and mushy peas, was the order of the day.
Then we would play patience, she rarely missed a trick.
Then we would sit and do jigsaws, she had a quick eye for the right piece.
Then I would play music; The Beatles, Hot Chocolate and Niel Diamond. Was that the best choice? A wave of the hands or a nod of the head meant a lot.
Then I would just talk about anything. A thumbs up was all I needed.
Then she stared, did she know me? Was that a tear?
Then she went.
***
After the funeral I went for a walk up Longridge Fell. It was a beautiful late Summer’s evening. I thought I had found a new path through the trees, maybe a gift to remember her by, but it went nowhere.
It is National Alzheimer’s Day today, September 21st.
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-involved/world-alzheimers-month
Have you thought of giving to their charity?
A sad time mixed with happier memories. Perhaps it is a good thing that path goes nowhere – it will be rarely used by others and can remain for you as your place in your mind.
Yes I suppose I spend lots of time up on Longridge Fell so know a few secet places.