Afterthought

[my_palimpsest]

Checking on Theresa during rounds was an afterthought. After nearly a year working on this floor of the Alzheimer's home, I knew that Theresa never needed tending to at this hour. She had only just gone to bed

Comments

[hellboy]

Oh. Just.. oh. As myrna_bird said: this is oh so poignant. And a bit sad, too.

[my_palimpsest]

There are a lot of sad moments in this line of work, but you learn to really seek out the joy in people, instead of always focusing on their bad days.

[liret]

I can't even imagine having to watch people deteriorate like that.

But I do think I would appreciate anyone who adds profanities to "Row, row, row your boat."

[drjeff]

Lovely story, and so well written.

My boss's father is slowly slipping away from the real world, and it's so hard on those left behind. There's only so much you can do... as you're very aware.

Really nice job!

[awriterswindow]

My grandmother has Alzheimer's, and it can be incredibly hard. I know sometimes it's hard for caregivers (family or not) to love on them, especially when their behavior can be so outrageous. Thank you for your kindness and for this piece.

[my_palimpsest]

Alzheimer's is an awful disease. It takes people we love away from us before we are ready for them to go. Even if its hard to love on them, it's so important. I was honored to do it for the time I did.

[team_jessie]

I hate to take away from the touching and loving portrayal of a very ill woman, but am I the only one who LOL'd at "Fuck your stupid boat"? I think I would have liked her too! :-D

[nyxocity]

As touching as this is, and had be welling up with tears at the end, I LOL'd at that as well, and would've adored her.

[my_palimpsest]

She was a real hoot, most of the time. You'd be surprised how many funny moments there are on a dementia war. People loose their inhibitions as a result of the disease, so there are some pretty great conversations.