Robbers of the Mind

Sharon & Jenny When Jenny pulled into the driveway of the small brick house that was home for twenty years, she found her mother in a rocking chair on the back porch. Sharon seemed calm and unaffected. Jenny rushed into the kitchen and found the neighbor turning on fans and opening windows. The house was full of smoke because a frying pan of bacon caught on fire. When the neighbor arrived, Sharon was taking the blazing pan outside. Jenny began cleaning up the residue of smoke on the stove and cabinets. Her hands were trembling just thinking of the close call that was barely avoided. The neighbor left after Jenny told her how thankful she was for her help. Then Jenny turned to see her mother biding her neighbor good-by as though nothing had happened. Jenny moved to the familiar back porch. This was the porch where her mother and father had enjoyed the evening sunsets together. The rocking chairs were perfect for lingering with a date before that goodnight kiss. Good memories flooded her mind. Her eyes met Sharon's eyes. For a minute, Jenny saw something different. Did her mother know her? She was so quiet and reserved. She told herself that her Mom was still shaken because there was almost a serious fire. Well, at least, she was not angry anymore. Jenny sat down beside her mother and took her hand. Sharon looked confused. She asked Jenny why was she there. Jenny started to explain what had happened. Her mother looked puzzled. They sat there a long time, rocking and holding hands. Jenny took a deep breath, and let it out quietly. She knew that she must call her sisters and then the doctor.   ANNE AND CARL Anne is an eighty-two year old lady who looks as normal as your own grandmother. She has two sons who are not well, and a daughter she seldom sees. Anne's other daughter, Sara, died under suspicious circumstances more than a year ago. Anne lives with her husband, Carl, whom she married while he was still in the Navy. Their four children were born while Carl was serving his country, leaving Anne and the children alone for months at a time. The couple now lives comfortably in a rural area. Since we had known this couple for some time, we visited one day to see if we could be of help. They were both glad to see us. Anne approached me immediately and wanted to talk. I asked where should we sit, but she looked perplexed, so I took her hand and led her to the sofa. She took both my hands in hers and kept telling me what a good person I am. I asked about her health, and she replied in sentences that really said nothing. She wanted desperately to have a conversation, but she could not understand me, and she could not respond correctly. Carl confided that he was at his wits end. He could not leave Anne alone while he mowed the lawn, took out garbage or cooked their meals. Anne is not interested in TV or reading. She continually paces. She goes to bed very early and gets up each morning a 4am. Carl has many needs. The adult children don't come to visit, and they don't offer to help. I doubt that they know how much their mother needs care. Carl has always been a man of quiet strength who could handle many things without help. Now he does not know where to turn. His beloved wife has a dreaded disease called Alzheimer’s, and Carl needs all the help he can get.