The Ending | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: The Ending | Previous Challenge Entry
By Bonnie Kronberger
10/24/19
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The brilliant sun rays peek through the window blinds as the night becomes morning. My mind resists awakening, longing to return to the peacefulness of sleep. Body turning, I snuggle deeper into my pillow, until sleep totally makes its escape. Throwing back the covers, a chill shivers through my body as I shuffle into the bathroom. Another day begins.

Showered and dressed, I am almost ready to face the day. With two cups of coffee in hand I begin my morning routine. I set one cup on the stand and take a couple sips from the other cup before setting it down too. Pulling up the blinds, light floods the room, bringing joy and energy with it.

My attention turns to the hospital bed set next to the queen bed. Reaching in, I place one hand on Lee’s cheek, while the other hand gently rubs his arm.

“Good morning, Sweetheart.” I hum a soft tune and he gradually awakens. Lee opens his eyes. He used to smile, but no more. “Hi. Are you ready to wake up?” I ask. He gazes at me for a few seconds before nodding slightly.

I push the button to elevate his bed to an upright position. Pulling up a stool, I sit down, tuck a bib under his chin, then serve him his coffee, sip by sip. He watches me intently, until the coffee is gone, giving no sign of recognition.

“It’s a beautiful day today. See the green leaves and the clear blue sky?” He looks out the window to where I point, but I can’t tell if he is pleased or not. “Are you ready for breakfast?” Another slight nod of the head.

Days pass and a realization comes to me that Lee continues to forget more about his life. More days pass—more forgotten. A few months prior, on the day of our fifty-fourth wedding anniversary, Lee looked at me and asked, “Do you know where my wife is?” Now he no longer remembers words to form sentences—bittersweet, the lost memories.

But blessings too. Our relationship is gentle and kind. It’s been quite some time since Lee has been angry at me. He no longer gets mad because he can’t remember the offense. He only knows he likes me and enjoys my company. Such a gentle countenance melts my heart and I realize my old hurts and grievances are but distant memories too—the blessing of faded memories.

So begins another day of caring for my invalid husband. Alzheimer’s has taken away memories and words. Weakness has taken away his ability to move anything other that his head and hands. These are not the golden years we imagined.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Lee has gone to be with the Lord. He gently went to sleep and transitioned to the Light. I like to imagine Jesus walking with him as they care for God’s cattle on a thousand hills. And someday when I see him in heaven, I imagine a lovely smile will light up his face as he says, “I remember you.”

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