Living with memory impairment can be very daunting and frustrating for the person experiencing memory loss. I watch my Mom navigate through the course of each week as she is unable to keep up with what day of the week it is and the dates. Each morning she relies on the readings from the clock and calendar on her cell phone and still she will ask me "what day is it?" However, I am grateful that some of her memories have no space or time.
Some of her very good memories are of long drives with her long-time friend. She excitedly looked forward to their Sunday drives. She would be so excited, just as a child awaiting a class field trip! They would go out each Sunday afternoon and return home late in the evening after traveling across town or interstate to the Ocean front or to DC, VA or PA. She would recall times of laughter, the music they would sing together or quietly enjoy listening to, she would recount their discussions, and how they stopped to dine at a local restaurant for dinner. She would talk about those outings the entire week afterward.
So now whenever she feels a little down she looks through the rearview mirror of her mind and remembers that she and her friend went out "last" Sunday for their weekly drive. She animatedly relates where they went and what they did. Now, whenever she speaks to her sister on the phone she would proudly say, "Oh yes, girl, we went out on Sunday and drove all around." Although it may have literally been many months, weeks, and days since she has gone out on that "Sunday" drive. Yet in her mind, it was just a few days ago. Far be it for me to change that reality. It warms my heart to know that her precious memories are not so distant... despite the disease!
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