This morning I worked a crossword with grandma.
When I was young, she used to do one each day.
I'd lay with my 8 year old back on the hard, cool floor
and prop my feet straight up against the couch.
I'd pretend I knew the answers when she'd read a crossclue
and wish that I'd be "as smart as grandma" someday.
But living with a husband who has alzheimer's
she's stopped doing her crosswords.
He's constantly asking questions,
and following her around.
Not allowing her to have time alone.
She misses her soap operas
neglects taking showers because she fears
he'll walk off
and forget his way home.
she throws her crosswords away now.
in frustration because she's just "not smart" anymore.
But I know Grandma better than that.
She's still so smart and wonderful.
But so overwhelmed and frustrated
that she's just stopped trying.
Today I laid a neatly folded piece of newspaper
in front of grandma's coffee today.
along with a black erasable papermate pen.
and told her "let's do this together".
you know, i'm a firm believer in everything happens for a reason
and I wouldn't be the least bit surprised that the reason
for me being able to do a crossword everyday at work
back home, was for this morning right here.
Grandma's a little rusty,
but she's still got it.
She's got it like a dancer never loses her groove.
Like grandpa never forgets his war songs...
I did a crossword with grandma this morning.
It doesn't even matter that we didn't finish.
Because I'll remember it forever.
No comments:
Post a Comment