Mommy?: Jagged Pieces Along the Road to Dementia by Dr. Brenda Triplett

Author:Dr. Brenda Triplett
Language: eng
Format: azw3, mobi, epub
Tags: Health & Fitness, Diseases, Alzheimer's & Dementia, Personal Memoirs, Stress Management, Self-Help, Biography & Autobiography
ISBN: 9781460259597
Publisher: FriesenPress
Published: 2015-03-15T00:00:00+00:00

Circus

Couldn’t sleep Friday night in anticipation of the fun filled day at the circus I had planned for my daughter, husband, and friends. Only slept for three hours however, wasn’t the least bit tired. I absolutely loved the circus as a child although my family rarely had the money to take me; this time we had ringside seats! I’m was as giddy as the children envisioning cotton candy, ice cones and flashlights, cars filled with clowns and of course the flying trapeze. I refused to worry about grown-up stuff choosing instead to relive the carefree euphoria of my youth (although carefree youth is an oxymoron). Unlike my usually conservative attire, I chose to wear pedal pushers, sneakers, and a t-shirt.

I unabashedly shouted and cheered louder than any other respectable adult in the arena as I emancipated the child from within. It was such a rush and I loved every minute of it! I only paused only long enough to notice my husband staring at me with an expression of joy because he hadn’t seen me this carefree in at least 5 years and he too was loving it.

Just as the ringmaster was about to introduce the act we had all been waiting for, my daughter hurriedly left her seat with her cell phone glued to the side of her head. I couldn’t understand why she was so enslaved by her phone and admit I was a little disturbed. Already, adulthood was snaking its way back into my moment.

It took my daughter several hard taps on my shoulders and a shrill shriek to bring me back to my senses. I could tell by the marked change in my husband’s expression that something was extremely wrong.

Mom was en route by ambulance to the hospital - feeding tube again dislodged, breathing laborious, oxygen levels low, unresponsive. Feeding tubes are not supposed to dislodge easily; who can I blame? I swore that this would be the last time. No more! Can’t quite remember how I made it to the hospital, but I do remember the crash landing back into adulthood. Doctor appeared to be sweating and visibly frustrated, atypical of his usually calm demeanor. Nurse wanted to know if I thought I could handle staying bedside as they try to insert a tube through my mom’s nose; was warned it might get bloody. Feigning courage, I nonchalantly assured her that I’ve seen it all before - what a lie! My mommy choked, face turned beet red, veins protruded from her temples and I could not help her. I couldn’t even display my own agony for fear of being asked to leave her side. I owed her my bravery as I know she would have stood as a pillar of strength if it were me.

At least nine hours and six cups of coffee later, my mother opened her eyes. She appeared more lucid than she had been in quite some time. Her eyes were amazingly clear and focused. I jumped on the opportunity to lecture her on the importance of eating so that she wouldn’t need those damn feeding tubes any longer.

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