The most heartbreaking part of dementia is being slowly erased from your loved ones mind. No matter how many times my Mom forgets who I am it still makes my heart sink. Common to this disorder, evenings are typically when they can no longer keep their thoughts together. It is called “Sundowners” and most nights Mom struggles with her memory.

Last night was no different but I got a typical Marion twist. I was sitting next to Mom on the couch when she looked at me and said “You can go home now” clearly thinking I was one of the hired caregivers. I replied “Mom do you know who I am?” She looked a me and said “Oh, I think you might be a relative.” I told her that was correct and to help her to better recognize me I took off my glasses and let my hair down that was tied up on my head. I looked back at Mom and asked “Now do you recognize me?” She smiled and said “No but you sure do look pretty!”