Sunday, November 2, 2008

An image of "nice"

Took my mom to a get-together with men and women who had worked with Daddy. These friends have gathered for lunch once every month or so for many years, and I am glad my mother still enjoys visiting with them. It usually falls my lot to sit beside a little lady who is possibly well into the well of alzheimer's, and who has a little trouble with her conversation. She often asks me what she likes to order, and I used to tell her Reuben sandwich, but last time she didn't like it, so I let her ask her husband, who also tells her Reuben. Again, she wasn't so thrilled with it, so I dunno... Maybe she doesn't like sauerkraut at all??? Yesterday after I had told her many, many times the little to-go box held half her Reuben sandwich, she poked me in the arm, pointed to my mom on the corner and asked, "Did that woman's husband die?" I answered her that yes, that woman's husband had passed away. "Just a month or so ago?" she asked... And I replied that, no, it was over a year ago. Then I added he was my father. She quickly apologized for talking about it to me, and she added, "You know... I am not sure anyone knows this, but I think I am beginning to forget thing a little bit." I solemnly nodded that indeed those things happen... She continued softly, "I don't really remember that woman's husband, and I don't really know her (lifelong friend), but I just have an image of "nice" when I think of them."


Oh... my.... what do I do with that? An image of "nice".... and what could be sweeter than to leave a fragrant image of that in the spirits that float in and out of our memories.... and our lack of them... I greatly fear my image will be one of "snippy," or maybe of "restlessness" or possibly "despair." I dunno.... I would maybe need to ponder and give it a bit of work... Have a good week.

4 comments:

Mary Isabella and Kiley too! said...

I like that image alos. Have a Blessed week...m...

Lisa Pogue said...

Wow, what can I say. You summed it up quite well. Nice is wonderful...

Megan said...

Oh, Gayla...I can assure you that your image will definitely not be snippy, restlessness, or despair. There are so many good images for you...kind-hearted, sweet, loving... I could go on and on, but I'll leave you with that. :)

Anonymous said...

What a lovely person you are - and like your parents you are "NICE"!

Tea Cup Lady