This is my grandmother.
We have always been incredibly close-since I was a little girl...
she always said I was like her 3rd baby...
She has been one of my biggest supporters,
encouraged my every step and loved me no matter what.
One of the reasons I moved to the area where we live now
was to be near her and take care of her
and my grandfather as they got older and
I really wanted her to know my children and for them to know her-
thankfully that happened before dementia.
She has what they say is advanced dementia and now lives in a locked care facility-
So much has happened in the past couple of years...
I feel so fortunate and blessed to have my grandmother here
and to be able to hold her hand and talk to her,
but I would be lying if I told you that it didn't hurt my heart to see her sometimes.
Everything that made up 'Grammy' is hidden now...
But somewhere inside, I know she is there.
She has always known my daughter and I until recently...
it is so hard to walk in with that big smile and say hello and have someone not even know you are there.
But even so,
I am so happy to take what ever it is that she has to offer from day to day.
My daughter and I were visiting the other day...
Grammy was holding her babies and loving them-
(she thinks the dolls are real babies- we are used to it.)
She was smiling ,cooing & chatting to them...
and then telling us just how beautiful she thought they were...
Of course, we agreed.
Grammy was in a great mood,
we laughed and enjoyed the smiles she shared and the funny things she said...
On the door to her room there is a piece of paper that has her name written on it.
'BETTY'
It's been there for several months...
but the other day she noticed it for some reason and said to my daughter
"Look it, there's my name on the wall..."
Ansley replied
"Yes...this is your room Grammy."
"Oh good!"
she replied with a smile.
"Now when I'm lost...
I know where to find me."
:)
Sometimes, I think I need one of those signs...