Forget me Not

Today, was a sunny beautiful Saturday. My daughter had her first lock in at church. The last of our children is a teen…and this is the first of many lasts for our family….if that makes sense.

Today, was a good day for fried chicken. Homemade authentic tamales made by my friend who is amazing. My soap even turned out how I wanted!

We decided to take my Dad chicken….since that’s his favorite thing right now….and it was rough.

For the first time ever in my life, my Dad forgot my mothers name. He told me all about the people that had come in and out of the house today that only he could see. Mom had told him they were not there.

As we ate dinner, the confusion continued….and I did my very best to eat and not cry. To listen and not cry…to NOT cry.

I decided a walk would be nice after dinner…and Dad decided he should go and my mother as well. The walk was intended for my dad..so that worked out fabulously. As we walked he asked me about the things he saw and if they were real or not…some were…most were. Some were not.

We talked about his mower and getting it ready to mow grass again. He likes the new shoes I got and noticed my new shoes (they really are new). Talked about my kids and asked Mom what trees were what…something he’s always known.

The entire time I held back tears…I held back tears as I he tried to pick up sticks that were not there…and step over branches that were not there…but amazed at how he is always working…always.

I have a million troubles…as do you my friend. My list is long…my days are short. Losing your parent this way seems horribly cruel…like I will lose him twice. If he can forget my mother’s name…how long until he forgets mine?

Please…forget me not.