Little Red Riding Hood’s coat now hangs in her closet.
Before my long weekend get-away, I visited Little Red Riding Hood (aka Mom) in her dementia facility home last week.
My usual feelings of dread – and the pit in my stomach – had been building up as I anticipated my visit. I knew that once I saw her, the pit in my stomach would begin to dissipate into the smaller, more manageable pit that’s taken up permanent residence. Sweet Clone (my youngest son) offered to accompany me. Having someone with me every now and then takes a little of the sting out of my visits.
We arrived and I punched in the code at the front door, where a much different reality exists beyond the threshold. This is where I take a deep breath and swallow my trepidation for how the visit may unfold.
These days Little Red Riding Hood doesn’t recognize me. For the last two years she seemed to at least realize that I was someone she knew and someone who was nice to her. Now it takes more effort to briefly catch her gaze once I track her down. She’s usually rearranging silverware or dusting a table with a tissue. Her head hangs low but she walks with surprising agility.
This time as we walked into her area of the facility, her roommate Amy (who scares me a little because she always looks angry even though I don’t think she is), was holding Mom’s arm and leading her toward me. I just knew she was going to tell me that something was wrong. (Mom has been irritating some of the other residents lately walking into their rooms and taking her shoes off to stand and gaze at them. I can understand their frustration even if it isn’t that uncommon around there.)
Instead and to my surprise, after I said hi to Mom and tried to get her attention, Amy held Mom’s arm as if protecting her and told me that I must have the wrong mother. That Mom couldn’t be my mother because she was actually her daughter. She inquired about my last name as if to double check but then kept walking with Mom.
Christian, the sweet caregiver, told Mom’s roomate that I was indeed Mom’s daughter and wanted to visit. She argued again, told me “Sorry, honey, you’ve got the wrong mother. It just can’t be.” She explained that Mom was her daughter, and that she had not been herself this week, and therefore she needed to be taken care of. And it was her job to do it.
I looked to Christian and nodded with a smile to let him know it was okay. I softly touched Amy on the shoulder and thanked her for being so sweet and caring. Her wide, smoky blue eyes met with mine and her facial expression lightened, as if she suddenly realized I wasn’t going to take Mom away from her.
After chatting with Christian about how Mom was doing, checking her room and leaving her favorite Russell Stover’s Assorted Creams on her little bedside table, it was time to say goodbye.
I caught up with them again and Amy was still holding Mom’s arm lovingly as they strolled around the facility. I stopped them to give Mom the longest and most loving embrace possible and I told her that I loved her. I almost, for a second, felt the old her hugging me back. Or maybe I was trying to wish it to happen.
I leaned down to capture her attention and tell her again how much I loved her. I got a brief smile but she kept on walking.
Amy looked at me and smiled like she felt badly for me, and told me not to worry, that Mom “just hadn’t been herself lately.”
As we left, I smiled and was grateful that someone new was also watching out for my Little Red Riding Hood.
life on wry 
You tell this painful story with such grace and appreciation for the care-givers (often overlooked in these facilities). It’s devastating thing to not have your mother recognize you. But there is comfort in knowing that she is being cared for by compassionate people. The only thing I can say is that this is hardest on you. She is unaware. If there is any solace in that, then take it. And be strong. You are not alone…
You are so kind. Thank you for your thoughtful and supportive note. And for reading. 🙂
Beautiful. A lovely post which so many can relate to – thanks.
Thank you so much!
I can’t imagine how much grief you feel when your mother doesn’t appear to recognize you. Cannot imagine. But it sounds like she’s really got a lovely friend caring for her and spending time with her, so I hope that gives you a sense of peace. I know you handled that situation very lovingly – great job, and thank you for sharing.
I found myself thinking this over, and I thought it’s a miracle that you can still see her. That she has found protection and warmth.
Were your palms itching? Someone is talking about you…
http://friendlyfairytales.com/2013/08/07/miracles/
Reblogged this on The Memories Project and commented:
Sadly so many of us can understand this situation. I think the blogger handled it beautifully. What would you do if faced with this scenario?
I can only imagine – my heart goes out to you, your mom, and your family.
I was a geriatrics social worker for a long time. Having read your post, I can tell you that your mother is fine. Yes, fine. She does not seem to be unhappy. She has loving companionship, human touch. She is safe. She just lives in a place you can no longer reach. I know you feel as if you’ve lost her, but she’s there. And doing well, I think. You saw your mother lost. I saw a woman content. Sometimes reality to us seems fractured to others. In the end, all that matters is how we feel. And, I think your mom feels okay. 🙂
What wonderful comforting words.
Such a heartbreaking, heartwarming post. We’ve been there and were also grateful for strange, comforting little alliances and especially grateful for the caretakers who work at these facilities and manage to keep their patience, senses of humor and generosity of spirit. They are making such a difference in the lives of families who live through this. Take care and give Little Red Riding Hood a hug from your readers.
This made me very teary, Wry 😦 Having said that, I think Amy may be good for your mother because it sounds as if she is quite protective. Big hugs to you xoxoxo
Reblogged this on Laughing at Alzheimer's and commented:
Sharing a post from my other blog…
This made me weepy. It is such a heartbreaking thing to go through. Just know that you are doing the right things.
I was a bit of a downer in that post and made a few people cry today, sorry. Thanks for your kind words of support… 🙂
It is your reality though. I wish nobody had to go through that.
This is so heartbreaking to hear and I can see why you have a pit in your stomach. whenver I can’t talk to someone, I talk to their higher self, (someone’s spiritual presence that isn’t encumbered by the earthly body’s experiences). That way you can tell her whatever you want, send her love, tell her about your day. And she will receive it.
Okay that is the best advice I have received in a long time. I really like that way of looking at it. Thank you.
What a beautiful post, heartbreaking and affirming in equal measure.
Thank you Hydro. xo
Heartbreaking – God Bless you and your Mom.
My grandmother isn’t there yet. My great grandmother was. I just went to visit my grandmother and I got that same feeling, that sting. My grandmother recognizes me, sometimes calls me my mother’s name. I miss her so much. I worry that this will happen to me someday and what my kids will go through. I’m grateful that you write about this because I haven’t mustered up the courage to do it.
See, we do have angels everywhere!!
🙂
What a perfect way to look at it. Thanks for that…. 🙂
Oh, sweety, you made my eyes leak. God bless you and your Mom.
oops, sorry about that. Thanks for your sweet thoughts.
A very nice post, Wry. My mother had a great roommate, Minnie, who looked after and babied Mom. I continued to visit Minnie until her death about 2 years after Mom’s.
That is wonderful that you continued to visit. I hope this plays out so that they are together for a bit.
This breaks my heart. Alzheimer’s is cruel beyond words. I am glad she has someone looking after her, though the woman sounds a bit smothering.
Thanks so much … 🙂