By Duff Marshall
Initially, the signs were subtle. Neglecting to turn off the lights, misplacing car keys, forgetting their kids’ anniversaries. His wife dismissed the lapses, insisted they were cute, charming and certainly no need for concern.
Then, she noticed the ice-cube tray in the microwave, discovered bundles of cash in cereal boxes and witnessed the blank, bewildered expression on his face. Worry set in.
Later, she saw the fear and suspicion, as if he shared his life with a stranger, someone whose name he could scarcely recall.
Finally, she packed away memories, like precious jewels, for the time when he would have none.
Thank you Duff for your well-written story. If only our gray time of leaving was lovingly compressed into the brevity of 101 words. Instead, the death of a loved one may drag on for years.
Thanks for your encouraging comments, Glenn. And you’re right. Dementia is a cruel and gruelling ailment.
A lovely succinct way of telling the story of a loved one’s dementia. Well done
I’m grateful for your kind comments, Hazel.
There is such sad beauty in this story. Thank you. I enjoyed it.
You’re welcome, Jen. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts.
touching and honest
Thanks, Alyson.