Keeping Her Memory Alive

When you see me, please ask about my Mom. Don’t be afraid to say her name.  

I want to tell you about her.  Because to tell you about her is to keep her memory alive.  

My Mom is still here in the physical sense, but the essence of who she was as a person has vanished.  Her entire identity and humanity have been stolen by Alzheimer’s disease.

This cruel disease has taken my Mom but it will never rob me of the large space she takes up in my heart. It will never take away the joy I feel when talking about her or sharing her life with others.

So, when you see me, please ask about her.  Ask how she is doing.  Don’t be afraid to say her name.  I want to tell you about her.  Because to tell you about her is to keep her memory alive.  

She was the best human being I knew.  Why would I want to keep that to myself?  

If you give me a chance to talk about her, please don’t feel uncomfortable if I weep.  Take solace knowing that the tears you see are tears of joy and gratitude for all that she provided me and all that she was to me.  

If you give me a chance, I will share memories of her that I hold close to my heart. 

If you give me a chance, I will tell you that…

She loved the holidays and would decorate the house from top to bottom, transforming our home into a magical oasis.

I will tell you that…

Her favorite place to gather was the kitchen.  Making dinner, reading the newspaper, and talking on the phone with friends and family.  The kitchen was her sanctuary.

I will tell you that…

She sewed costumes for my siblings and me every Halloween.  Her one-of-a-kind creations made us feel so special.   

I will tell you that…

She was beloved by friends, family, and strangers alike.  She had this magnetic ability to draw people in with her genuine spirit and kind nature.

I will tell you that…

She created a home where everyone was welcome, comfortable, and cared for.  Where strangers didn’t exist, and guests felt safe and seen.

I will tell you that…

She placed the needs of others before her own.  Always.

I will tell you that…

She celebrated every occasion, never missing a birthday, anniversary, or special event.

I will tell you that…

She was there for me through every disappointment, struggle, and heartache.

I will tell you that…

She never complained or said an unkind word about anyone.  

I will tell you that…

Her family was her life.

I will tell you that…

She would have loved to see her grandchildren grow up. 

I will tell you that…

She was meant to be a Mom.

I will tell you that…

I am eternally grateful to be her daughter.  That I was chosen to be hers - and she mine.

I will tell you that…

She made the world a better and brighter place.

So, please ask about my Mom.  Please let me say her name.  Please give me the gift of honoring her life and memory so that her light never dims, and her memory continues on into eternity.