Category Archives: Alzheimer’s

L’Shanah Tovah

Posted on October 12, 2016 by daughter3

“HA-va Nagila, HA-va Nagila, HA-va Nagila Ve-nis mech-A!” The musician was singing with energy and joy, and people were getting up to dance. “What is he singing?” my mom asked. “Hava Nagila,” I said. “What does that mean?” she asked. … Continue reading →

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Being There

Posted on September 14, 2016 by daughter3

“Is my butt bigger than that girl’s butt?” my mom asked, pointing at a passing woman. We were in the Hebrew Home sculpture garden, celebrating Grandparents Day with a couple hundred residents and guests. I almost knocked us both over … Continue reading →

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Conversations

Posted on July 29, 2016 by daughter3

When I arrived at the Hebrew home at 3 PM, I found my mom in bed under the covers. She was facing the window, so she couldn’t see me as I entered. Without announcing my presence, I sat on the … Continue reading →

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Sculpture Garden

Posted on June 29, 2016 by daughter3

I don’t always know what to do with a beautiful June day, when the sky is deep blue, the air is fresh, and the sun is shining. But when I’m at Hebrew Home, the best way to spend it is in … Continue reading →

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Play

Posted on June 22, 2016 by daughter3

I sneak up on my mom in the dining room and surprise her. “Oh, don’t scare me. I get scared very, very….” “Easily?” “Yes… no… very, very… greatly.” “Sorry.” We walk to her room and lay on her bed. I … Continue reading →

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Falling

Posted on May 18, 2016 by daughter3

I got a call from the Hebrew Home a couple of months ago. “Your mother fell today,” said her doctor. “Is she okay?” I asked. “Yes, she’s okay, but she has a cut on her forehead. There was a lot … Continue reading →

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Three Husbands

Posted on February 25, 2016 by daughter3

Mom is sitting at her table across from Donald, and they’re smiling at each other. When she sees me, she beams. “Hi Donald,” I say, as I lean over to kiss my mom. “Is that his name?” she asks. “I’m … Continue reading →

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An Alzheimer’s Thanksgiving

Posted on November 29, 2015 by daughter3

The Sunday before Thanksgiving, the weekly concert at Hebrew Home was held in the library instead of in the large, open concert hall where it’s usually held. The closed-off quarters of the library made for a more focused, even more … Continue reading →

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Birthday Card

Posted on November 3, 2015 by daughter3

“I have the best mother in the whole world,” read my mom. She was reading the card I had given her for her birthday. She didn’t know it was her birthday — not the first time I told her, or the … Continue reading →

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Courage

Posted on August 31, 2015 by daughter3

Kenneth was recently moved to another unit, so I took my mom to visit him. “Do you miss me? Do you know me? Are you okay? Do you like it here? Do they take you outside? Is the food good … Continue reading →

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