It has been a busy few weeks, and I haven't been in as often to see Nana. In fact, I needed to drop off some supplies and refill meds for the morning, so I needed to go over after work, at 8:30pm.
Nighttime is not a fun time to visit an Alzheimer's unit. People are especially confused at nite, and people tend to be more agitated. One time I went, and my mother wanted me to break up a fight between two gentlemen. Another time, Mom was so confused it made me cry. So I avoid going over after dark whenever I can.
I left work and prayed that Nana would be fast asleep when I arrived. I opened the door to the unit, and I saw that most residents were awake. Two were having a snack in the dining room. One woman was dressed in her raincoat, and she told me that she was just waiting for her ride. I said to one of the workers, "Is my Mom asleep?"
"Oh no," he answered, "She is down with the group in the sunroom." I braced myself for the sight.
She was sitting in a chair, in the group. I walked over and rubbed her head. She turned, smiled and said, "That feels good. Oh-- I knew that would be you!!!"
She mentioned that she hadn't seen me in awhile. "I knew you would be stopping by. I just said today- 'I wonder when I will see Nancy, and here you are!"
She knew my name! Even after 8pm! I was so excited.
She told me that she missed me. I told her where I had been-- at work, with my sister Anne and family at the beach, with a friend at the doctors. She said that she was happy that I was having fun with Anne, and said that she would be praying for my friend. I told her that I would be back on Monday to spend more time with her and she said that would be wonderful-- "But if something comes up, I understand-- you have a very busy life, and I don't want to be a burden."
I told her that I was leaving, but if she needed me there was always one place she could find me. I tapped her heart, then tapped mine.
"Oh honey, I know that you are always there. That must be why I smile so much."
Me too, Mom. Me too.
