dememtia....the magic door

A magic door has opened for my mother. She is settled and even enjoying assisted living. And I am amazed at her resilience and imagination and ability to thrive. She does indeed have dementia, but that is only part of her. She is aware and knows everyone, she retains most of her memory, but a funny little door opened in her brain that has allowed her to enter a clever bright entertaining world that I can't see.

She takes care of other residents, councils them with her wise ways, listens to their stories and pats their hands. She is a tiny, charming little person. Just as she has always been, but now with more patience, humor and enjoyment of life. She sees magic in everything. Collected bits of cellophane wrappers are the "skins" of trees. She talks of the "scientists" and "intellectuals" she is living with and of the marvelous things they discuss.

She is 90, she no longer lives at home; she has shed possessions and responsibilities and worry.
She is on to a new chapter, and I am amazed. Don't ever write off an old citizen......there is great life there yet.