There’s nothing more brutal than helplessly watching a loved one deteriorate in the throes of such diseases as ALS, Multiple Sclerosis, or the cancer known as Alzheimer’s. Somewhere between midnight and morning, January 24, 2020 my mother-in-law, Mary Lee Meek shuffled off her mortal coil. However, we’ve been grieving her loss for the past seven years as Alzheimer’s slowly robbed us of the woman we knew and loved. In her memory I’d like to share a flash fiction I wrote for my husband, Jan in 2013.
LIVING LEGACY
“A-one and a-two…” said the man on television.
“I hate Lawrence Welk.” I stamped my foot.
Mom’s brown eyes flashed as she jumped from her chair to turn up the volume. I grabbed her around the waist and we fell to the floor where she tickled me into submission.
A tower of strength, she always won.
Somewhere along the line, between responsibilities and business-as-usual, without my notice, the tower crumbled.
In semi-darkness, she stares at a blank screen. I search her listless eyes but the spark is gone.
“Mom? I miss Lawrence Welk.”
Her brow crinkles. “Do I know you?”
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
I feel your pain. It’s a loss greater than death when we lose them though they are still living.
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Dear Sadje,
I agree. It’s very hard. Thank you for your kind comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You’re welcome. I have see this with my grandfather so I can understand.
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Sending you hugs, Sadje.
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Thanks 🙏
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So poignant. Love you.
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Thank you for reading, Tracy. Love you, too and what you did for my family clinches the deal. Thank you for what you did for us.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This was a hard read for me for obvious reasons. Alzheimer’s is a terrible disease that robs a person of all their humanity but leaves them with a mortal, but empty shell before eventually taking that also. It has many victims counting all the family and friends. My Mom is now free but we still have grief to live with that only time will lessen. A very touching story.
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Dear Jan,
Writing is one of my ways to deal with grief. She is free and with her sisters and mother. Thank you, m’luv.
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My dad’s story, too!
Much love, Randy
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Dear Randy,
Sadly, it’s the same story for too many. May your dad’s memory be a blessing. Good to see you. Thanks for coming by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ow, may your mother-in-law rest in perfect peace.
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Thank you very much, Celestine. ❤
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Dear Rochelle,
Beautiful tribute to your mother-in-law. Alzheimer’s is always worse on those left behind than those afflicted. Again, my sympathies to you, Jan and the family.
Shalom and lotsa love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
Thank you for your kind words and for being a friend to me for most of the way. I know you’re no stranger to loss.
Shalom and lotsa appreciative hugs,
Rochelle
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Indeed. But that’s part of life, right?
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😘
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😘
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We lost my grandmother after she suffered for 10 years with the affliction. We felt the loss every single day. My heart goes out to you and your family, the new towers of strength. ❤
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Dear Jo,
Thank you for your understanding and comforting words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Really sweet, Roch…Alzheimers is a terrible disease. I watched many of my patients suffer from it. But more was the case of the pain it brings the family watching their loved one disappearing day by day. The one day on the orher side of my desk, was my own grandmother. Each time I saw her, she was barely reconnizable. Then I had even more compassion for both patients and family.
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Dear Patti,
Thank you for taking the time to read and comment, my friend. Your affirming words bring me comfort.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Touching.
One has to put up a brave face and be strong.
Hugs, Rochelle.
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Thank you, Anita. ❤
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Dear Rochelle
Hugs.
Shalom
Penny
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Dear Penny,
Thank you. ❤
Shalom,
Rochelle
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❤
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So sorry to hear about your mom Rochelle.
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Thank you, JS. ❤
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Touching.
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Thank you.
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Such a moving and loving tribute to your mom, Rochelle. Thank you for sharing it.
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Thank you so much, Francine. In some ways it’s a relief. But it’s still hard.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I am sorry to read this, my thoughts are with you and all who battle long term ill health.
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Thank you, Mike. Much appreciated.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Touching story, Shelley. I can certainly relate, seeing my father crumble in the same fashion. It’s especially terrible and rough on the caregivers. In fact, many times the person with the disease outlives those who are caring for them.
Death can be such a sweet relief, and we’ll always have those wonderful memories, even if they are around Lawrence Welk and the champagne dancers.
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Dear Liza Jane’s Pet,
It is very hard to on the caregivers and the family. Truthfully, it’s a relief. She’s free now and we can remember Mom the way she was. Thank you for the sweet comment. I’m going to go turn on the bubble machine now. An’ a one an’ a two…
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Actually, I’m Liza Jane’s butler and tennis ball fetcher. She likes to roll it under furniture and then utter high-pitched whines until I lay down in the floor and retrieve the ball from under the couch.
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Now there’s a mental image. We really have to make a pilgrimage to the Land O’ Goshen. I have to meet this four legged princess. Feel free to noodge Jan. 😉
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Will do.
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Thank you for sharing this. It is touching – and I also cannot imagine. A part of me wonders if it is easier to lose someone outright vs. being robbed bit by bit. I know that sounds harsh and neither is a good option… I guess, while I back peddle, I am saying for the grieving cycle – one may linger longer…
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Dear Joe,
Any way you lose a loved one is tough. But I’m with you, there’s nothing more cruel and heartbreaking than watching a formidable woman like my MIL descend into a vegetative state. Thank you for stopping by to read and leave a nice comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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