I adjust to the new cycles in my life, not Alzhiemers but a combination of age, forgetfulness and jet lag. Instead of a few productive child free hours whilst they are at school, I have a constant companion with a panoply of comments and questions.
“What it is?”
“It’s Thursday.”
“No, what number?”
“Er…..12th.”
“Already?”
“Yes, time marches on.”
“Oh there you are! Where have you bin?”
“Nowhere, just here, still washing up.”
“Why the light is red?”
“I need to refill it.”
“Where dey are?”
“At school.”
“No…..dah cats?”
“Sleeping in a hidey hole somewhere, I’ll dig them out for you in a minute.”
“Wot we do today?”
“The usual…..let me see…….shall we check the calendar?”
“Can you turn it on for me please?”
“I’ll just dry my hands. Do you want a cup of coffee with the BBC News?”
“When dey are home?”
“We’ll pick the children up at 2:30, he’ll be home from work late tonight.”
We conduct these exchanges at full volume because not many people appreciate just how much hearing aides distort the world in general.
There are so many little moments, but most of them are all too familiar. I dither over whether to change my answers or merely repeat them, as I’m uncertain about the course of fairness and confusion, but before too long, at some random moment of the day, I shall be presented with a little gem.
It always has the same beginning:-
“So Maddy…….do you know? I remember when…………”
I think someone has an obligation to record them, if not exactly for posterity, at least for her grandchildren, for the future, the uncertain future. It’s just a question of carving out the time, a reshuffle.
I think I know who that someone is.
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45 minutes ago
3 comments:
Get a little recorder and switch it on without her knowing!
What a great sewer you are. I'd be pleased with a pair of those pajama bottoms.
yes, please record them! i would give anything t have my grandmother's stories on video or tape...
Very difficult, certainly, but I hope it's also very gratifying for you.
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