Her Great Grandchildren...
By Roma Mollins
Her walk through Alzheimers can be measured by the arrival of her great grandchildren.
In 2000 the first great grandchild was born. She came to visit that Christmas- it was the last time she could travel. She got scared and confused up in her bedroom- panicked at the airport- searching for keys she no longer possessed. She looked at her first great grandchild with the same love in her eyes that had greeted her own 4 children- her grandchildren- 6 at that time... she cooed and rocked and sang tender lullabyes- but could not recall the name of this sweet great granddaughter nor how the she was related to her. We took a photo.
In 2004 a new great grandchild was born- she wasn't able to travel to us- and it was 3 years before he was able to get to where she lived. He tenderly went over to see her- bent and planted a kiss on her skinny and wrinkled cheek. He touched her hand. She looked at that strong chubby hand- studying it- wondering why it felt natural for her to hold something so tiny. He danced for her- marched across the room and saluted her- she laughed. It was a sound no one had heard for a long time. He cuddled her- she smiled. In the moment - it was happiness and comfort. She asked who he was.......We took a photo.
in 2008 her third great grandchild was taken to see her. She was curled in the bed in the hospital room. We tried to wake her- she didn't want to come to us from the sanctuary that was sleep. He looked at this quiet woman sleeping- as he nestled in his mothers arms. She bent down and kissed her grandmother- and he reached out and touched his great grandmothers face. We took a photo
There is a new great grandchild on the way- due on Christmas day . As I look at the proud mum-to-be's swollen belly I wonder- Will great grandma's eyes ever open to see that child- even if she can't understand anything of it- or remember it.... Will we get to take that photo????
Loving you mum as your last days surround us......
© Roma Mollins 2008
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