My father-in-law
is staying with us
while waiting
for a spot
in an assisted-living
facility.
He had a mild stroke
earlier in the summer
that affected
his short-term
memory.
His wife,
suffering from her own
problems,
is in Connecticut
with her son
also waiting.
“When is Elli arriving?”
he asks several times
a day. “She's not coming here;
we're going to drive
you down
in a few days.”
“Oh, okay.” A few minutes
later he says, “Elli's not here;
she had to leave
to go to work. I hope
she's not having
an affair
with Roger.”
No, dad, Roger
is her son. He's taking
good care of her.”
“Oh, okay.” A few minutes
later, “When's Elli going
to get here?”
We're all waiting.
8 comments:
that's a heart breaker. not an easy wait.
Oh, I'm sorry. This is one of those waits that doesn't get much better, so any joy you get has to come from a bright moment during the waiting.
How sad. You expressed his feelings so well.
beautiful & sad...
Really sad...Memories of loved ones do not fade easily even if there is memory loss. Thats what they repeat the most in that condition.
so hard to watch and so scary to think that it might be us one day. Prayers and hugs.
In the worst of times try to remember the best of times and hope that he comes through this stage without too much anguish.
I don't know whether this one was touching or tormenting me in some way...how you expressed it is definitely an art of poetry...nice flow, and yet a silent rhythm...Enjoyed it, but also felt empathetic..
Take care, all will be well soon..
Keep blogging!
P.S. Hope you remember me: Fiducia!!
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