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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Expect (07/11/13)
"Where's Johnny, Annie? He was supposed to come over today."

Heather sighed, as she looked at her mother. Every week it was the same. Every week she tried to explain things, hoping something in her mother's frail mind might finally click. That maybe, just maybe she'd remember.

"I'm Heather, Mom. Your daughter. And Johnny died three years ago."

"Daughter? I don't have a daughter. Where's Johnny? I want my brother! Why isn't he here?"

Heather knew it was pointless to try to argue, so she tried the next best thing: submission and appeasement. Was is lying? Well, perhaps, but she didn't know what else to do.

"I don't know where Johnny is. Are you sure he was supposed to come today?"

"Yes. He comes every Wednesday. Today's Wednesday, right? That nice neighbor lady... what's her name? She always tells me what day it is."

Heather smiled. The nurses and other caretakers at the nursing home really loved their jobs and treated every resident like family and friends. At times, she was grateful her mom couldn't remember things. The few times she was lucid enough to know she was in a nursing home weren't pretty. She's lash out at anyone who would listen, complaining about her good for nothing children who stuck her here, didn't have a care in the world, and only wanted to dump her off on some strangers. Then she'd lash out at the nurses, the dietary aids, and the volunteers. It was best if she thought she was still in her own home, but it still hurt to know her own mother didn't know who she was.

"Yes, it's Wednesday. But you know, sometimes he can't come. He has his two kids, remember? Maybe one of them had something come up unexpectedly."

In reality, Johnny's two kids were grown and had children of their own. But again, it was pointless to try to explain that, and sometimes it just made Mom regress even more.

"Maybe that's it. I wish he'd bring his kids some time, though. I'd love to see them. How old are they again?"

It was difficult to judge just where in time Mom's mind was today, so she tried an answer she hoped would appease her. "They're three and five now."

"Wow. That old? It seems like just yesterday when they were born."

That was one thing they could both agree on. "Yeah, it does. Maybe he'll call tonight and come by tomorrow. You know he always makes it up to you when he can't make it."

"Yeah. Maybe tomorrow."

Tomorrow. No matter what, Mom always had hope for tomorrow. She always expected her brother to come. Tomorrow. That perpetual day that never really arrives because by the time it arrives, it's today, and there's a new tomorrow.

"See you tomorrow, Mom."



******
fictional
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This article has been read 1160 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Colin Swann
07/23/13
Thanks for sharing this sad story which is so true for so many.
Leola Ogle
07/24/13
Wow! That's exactly how visits with my mom go. She's been in a nursing home for the last several years. She knows I'm her daughter, but doesn't remember my name. She asks about people who have long ago departed this life. Well written. God bless!
C D Swanson 
07/24/13
A very realistic story with authentic dialogue. I'm assuming you've had experience with this disease...you managed to put together a scenario that I witnessed many times working in the nursing home industry my whole career. Alzheimer's is an insidious disorder that cripples the person's mind, and the family members emotions.

Excellent piece, I felt as if I was back at my job watching the mother and daughter interaction.

God bless~
C D Swanson 
07/24/13
A very realistic story with authentic dialogue. I'm assuming you've had experience with this disease...you've managed to put together a scenario that I witnessed many times working in the nursing home industry my whole career. Alzheimer's is an insidious disorder that cripples the person's mind, and the family members emotions.

Excellent piece, I felt as if I was back at my job watching the mother and daughter interaction.

God bless~
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
07/28/13
Oh wow this is such a powerful story. I know it's a dilemma many kids are facing today. I agree, though, sometimes it's kinder not to inflict pain than to be totally honest. I've had roommates in the hospital with dementia and they can be so sweet in morning, but turn mean and nasty at night. We need stories like this to help people understand a day in the life...Well done. Congratulations on ranking 11th in Masters and 13 overall!! HAPPY DANCE!!