My mother, who is 88 years old, is living with Alzheimer’s disease. Currently she is in a memory care facility and in hospice care. She is bedridden and doesn’t eat much. She and my brother live in Mississippi, so I have to travel to visit. I will be going this weekend along with my sister. We are lucky. She’s still a genuinely kind person.
For Pádraig Ó Tuama‘s recent poem prompt “Short Poems”, I wrote:
Visiting My Mother in Memory Care
I lean in for her voice. There is only a smile.
This poem is not entirely true. My brother told me that last weekend, she turned to him and said, “You’re looking good.” Southern pleasantries must be one of the last things to go.
On Saturday, my family gathered in River Ranch in Lafayette, LA to join the Walk for Alzheimer’s. My grandson Leo (5) designed our shirts. We had a fun time walking together, visiting, and honoring my mother, my children’s grandmother, my grandchildren’s great grandmother. She will never know we did this, but my heart was full. We made a difference, and we did it together.
Reflections on the Teche 
Such a moving tribute to your mother, Margaret – both in the physical act of walking for Alzheimer’s awareness and spiritually, through poetry. I chuckle at this notion “southern pleasantries must be one of the last things to go,” as I believe you may well be right, even as I shudder with the truth of the disease’s stealthy memory-theft. These photos, with all the radiant faces and rich purple decor, are so noble and uplifting. Ongoing strength to you all, friend.
So glad you could do this as a family! What a lovely way to honor your mother. A perfect way to inform other and bring some joy to hard times. Thanks for this post – so good to be reminded of the good happening to help.
You have a beautiful family! So glad you could all make this happen. Kudos to Leo, age 5, and already a designer! Prayers for your mom.
This is a horrible disease as you know and describe; however, you and your family have done lots to make sure there is some joy and good times woven into the memory of this family changing diagnosis.
Margaret, I had a grandmother who suffered Alzheimer’s, and it is such a wicked force. I could never decide whether the time spent unaware and confused seemed better than the lucidity that came along here and there. Big hugs to you all! Fabulous photo – and what a blessing to be able to do this walk with shirts designed by Leo!
Margaret, it is wonderful that the whole family gathered together for the Alzheimer’s walk. Leo must be proud of the shirts he designed. I am glad that your mother gave you a smile. It is a good memory.
Margaret, my slice did not attach so I am sharing my link. I mentioned Avalyn and tried out her format for my slice poem. Tell her that I was delighted to use her model. Have a wonderful day.
Margaret, I love your wonderful story about your family honoring your mom with the Alz. walk. This very morning, I popped on f/b and there was a picture of my mom (living several states away from me in an Alz. residence) pulling seeds from a pumpkin in a group activity. It stinks living so far away, but thankfully social media can sometimes bridge the gap. I’m glad you live closer and can get to your mom quickly.