I’m thinking of the song “How can I Keep from Singing.” This week of Open Write at Ethical ELA, I can’t keep from writing. Writing about my mother, every day. I am visiting her for her birthday which was Sunday. She turned 87. We took her out to a local Asian restaurant where my brother, a professional musician, was playing. Family gathered around the table. I rocked baby June who was getting a little tired. We took a four generation photo. In all outward appearances, this was a wonderful celebration. In the video, my mother doesn’t take her eyes off of my brother as she sings along.
However, the true picture is one of a family slowly losing their matriarch to devastating Alzheimer’s disease. How can I keep from writing? How can we keep from singing? Music and singing, laughter and poetry bring me healing and bittersweet joy.
The Irony of Roles Reversed
I nursed three babies
while she watched
milk flow–mother nurture.She holds a baby doll
while I watch
tender rocking–daughter lost.She doesn’t call my name.
Margaret Simon, Sevenling (Prompt on Ethical ELA)
I have also set up a fundraising page for The Longest Day, a fundraising even for the Alzheimer’s Association. If you would like to consider a donation, my page is located at this link.
I cannot stop the disease from taking my mother, but I can do this one small thing to prayerfully hope that others do not have to experience this. My sister-in-law is making bracelets as thank you gifts for a donation of $50 or more. If you donate, email me your home address if you would like a bracelet pictured below.
Reflections on the Teche 