Mother and Daughter Talk Alzheimer's

"Mother!"
"Hi."
"How are you?"
"Oh, fine, how are you?"
"Pretty good. I fell down a while back, but I'm ok now."
"That's good."
"Do you know who this is?"
"Diane!" (How dare I ask such a stupid question?!)
I laugh. "Yes, what did you do today?"
Pause...then with attitude, "Why do you ask?"
I am surprised at her suspicious tone. "Just making conversation, Mom."
"Oh."
"So, what DID you do today?"
"Nothing."
"What a coincidence! That's what I did too!" (We both laugh.)
"Where are you?" (Here we go again. I think I should start with this.)
"I live in Seattle."
"SEATTLE? Since when?"
"I moved here 30 years ago. You visited a few times. You flew on a plane!"
"I did? That must have been nice."
"You liked the seagulls."
"Oh." (I feel I am boring her.)
"Do you still read those paperbacks?"
"Yes. Why do you ask?" (Again, an unfamiliar tone from my mom, verging on paranoid.)
"I thought I'd send you some if I can." (This was one of her favorite gifts.)
"That would be great. And write to me." (She has said that before and I do, but she always says she never received anything. Hmmm)
"Sure. Well, that's all I got." We laugh.
"Thanks for calling."
"Ok, bye, I love you, Mom."
"Bye." CLICK

First time I recall such paranoia in her voice. My cousin visited her a few days ago and said she seemed to be doing very well, though she asked several times where he was from. Interesting.
Always interesting where her thoughts go. Some places I know well. Some she never revealed.
I am watching some residents at my retirement home go through dementia and Alzheimer's...the emotional pain is short-lived, in the early stages. Hard to miss what you never had. I am so glad I had many conversations with my mother in those early stages, the big A talk. That is the best we can do, those of us left behind. Hearing her voice still comforts me. I hope that goes both ways.