An Image of the Past

This small writing is dedicated to those who suffer the anguish of "losing" a loved one.

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“Talk to me. It wouldn’t bother me; you would not be disturbing me at all. I am not concentrating on the paper; it just looks that way. Actually, I am watching you while reminiscing about days gone by, and realizing there are no “do overs” in this life. I wish there were... we had such good times.”

It’s difficult for me to observe your confusion. It must be frustrating to find yourself in a strange place among strangers. That’s my interpretation of your dementia, and what it’s doing to you.

I wish there was a reset button I could press to once again alert you to the life we shared. The thrills of early romance, the miracle of our children’s’ births, the excitement of watching them grow into adulthood, the joys of grandchildren, the pleasures of mentoring them, and the long-sought quiet companionship that followed “the empty nest” have all but vanished. Only one of us remembers.

I never expected these cherished moments to dissolve, but without the ability to relive them they might just as well be gone. The inability to share makes them too painful to recall.

Because I can recall, I can look into blank eyes and know that hidden by a mask of quiet defeat the champion, the matriarch, still revels in the glory of life’s victory. I see a soul that romps and frolics sharing the wonders of the past. Her presence, though not present, like a silent work of art, remains forever reminding me who you are.

Oh God, why can’t I just reboot?

By Robert L. Scarry

From: United States

Twitter: usnavy1990bob

Facebook URL: https://wwwfacebook.com/Robert.Scarry.3