STRIKE THREE
I only noticed strike one in
retrospect – he forgot names and muddled dates, but doesn’t everyone?
The second strike was more troubling.
I’d often catch him standing with a lost expression, clearly wondering
where he was, but a gentle word would bring him back. Never one to listen to
other opinions, he became angrier, and so illogical it was useless trying to
reason with him.
But when he backed the car into the
gatepost, stormed into the kitchen shouting, “Who put that blasted pillar
there?” and then demanded, “What are you doing in my house?” – that was strike
three.
...................................................................................
Those who have lived through similar scenarios will understand where this story comes from.
Thanks to Rochelle for hosting Friday Fictioneers on https://rochellewisoff.com/ and also for bravely sharing the photograph of her accident - I hope the insurance covered it?
Oh! That's so poignant, Liz. Painfully so.
ReplyDeleteThanks Helen - such situations are painful, for the sufferers and those around them.
DeleteSuch a difficult thing to live through... for both the afflicted and their family...
ReplyDeleteWell done!
Thanks Dale.
DeleteBeautifully and heart-wrenchingly written.
ReplyDeleteThanks Annalisa.
DeleteI have seen those steps closely... I think it's not quite the same, but definitely things I see in retrospect.
ReplyDeleteDementia takes every sufferer differently, but the signs are similar in my experience.
DeleteAww, I'm welling up!
ReplyDeleteThank you Helen x
DeleteTragic tale, and the worst part of it is the story still to come.
ReplyDeleteI'm afraid you're right, Iain.
DeleteSo sad, Liz. Yes, I know exactly where you're coming from there and am starting to see similar behaviour in one elderly relative in particular. That gradual erosion of self - it's a tragedy, isn't it? Very touchingly told
ReplyDeleteIt is sad, and once you've seen it personally there is no mistaking the signs.
DeleteDear Liz,
ReplyDeleteBrilliant depiction of the downward Alzheimer's spiral. Touching and tragic without being maudlin.
Shalom,
Rochelle
PS The insurance company of the owner of the other car paid for all repairs on the car. The sad part is that she had loaned her car to a friend who neither spoke English nor had a driver's license.
Thank you Rochelle. It is a downward path, though with the occasional plateua and even an upward step or two, but the outcome is inevitably the same.
Deleteps. I am surprised an insurance company paid up if the actual driver wasn't legally allowed to drive!
Well told, Liz. I agree with Rochelle your story is poignant without being maudlin.
ReplyDeleteThanks Alicia
DeleteOh! This is tragic, indeed. Well written.
ReplyDeleteAny degenerative disease is tragic. Thanks for commenting.
DeleteThat was heartbreaking
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting, Dahlia.
DeleteYep. I'm familiar with dementia & Alzheimers. It pays to not argue, you'll only throw gas on the fire. In a couple of minutes they'll move on and forget what was such a crisis only seconds before. - Russell
ReplyDeleteI know, Russell, and I try, but after a lifetime of standing my ground it's very hard to bite my tongue!
DeleteBrilliant exposition of the downward spiral.
ReplyDeleteThank you Neel.
DeleteWow - that was brilliantly depicted in such a short story - very well done!
ReplyDeleteSusan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
Thanks Susan x
DeleteSo sad, to watch someone succumb slowly over time.
ReplyDeleteA fate I hope doesn't befall me.
ReplyDeleteGood writing, Liz. Thank goodness my mother who had Alzheimer's never drove a car. Also, thank goodness we went to a lawyer after my dad died and she moved in with us and I got a Power of Attorney to handle her legal matters. He suggested she sell dad's car to me for a dollar to make it legal, which she did. ---- Suzanne
ReplyDeleteI went to a Dementia Awareness meeting last night and learned some useful tips for dealing with someone with the disease. I have already discussed with OH setting up POAs, reciprocal, of course!
Delete