Category Archives: Uncategorized

Coloring

My mom was such a simple person — on the outside. She never lied. Or cheated. Or stole. Or smoke or drank, for that matter. She believed in God and prayed, and she loved her children. She was nice and … Continue reading

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L’Shanah Tovah

“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

“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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Some Days

The bathroom door opened, and my mom stepped out. Her face lit up when she saw me. “I didn’t know you were here!” she said with excitement and affection. She stepped closer and hugged me, resting her head against my … Continue reading

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Conversations

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

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

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

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

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

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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