Member-only story
Grieving the Loss of Who Someone Once Was
I’m on my annual trip to visit my parents. This year is different though. This year I have dreaded this vacation because I know that it may be the last one I take while my mom still remembers who I am.
It’s hard talking to my dad, hearing about the daily struggles he goes through. My heart breaks for him. It didn’t really sink in though until I got here and saw for myself.
My mom was a great mom. She still is. She gives me hugs as often as she can and tells me how much she loves me. Seeing her now makes me grieve who she used to be.
She was always such a strong person with a big heart. She was a teacher and spent her time volunteering as a child’s advocate. She kept track of everything and kept the family notified of everything that was going on.
I miss that. But I don’t miss that for me only. I miss that for her and my dad.
She used to walk five miles every day. Now her balance is so bad that if she steps off a curb you need to be right there with her holding on to her. If you take her shopping, you can’t let her walk behind you because she will randomly just stop for no apparent reason. The look in her eyes lets you know that it suddenly occurred to her that she had no idea what she was doing and you have to tell her to keep walking.