It was devastating to see her sitting there, on the edge of her bed, scissors in hand, cutting her dress into shreds. Thin, wiry strands of hair fell carelessly across her face. Eyes swollen and puffy, tears streaming down her cheeks, she was in agony.
We approached, my toddler and I, fraught with anxiety at the horrible scene. Uncomprehending, we tried to console the poor soul.
She would have none of our pity. Flailing her arms to keep us away, we could only watch as her consumption began.
Alzheimer’s was feasting on my mother.
I could do nothing.
Except cry.
hugmamma's MIND, BODY and SOUL 
What a powerful, honest, sucker-punch story. It is some kind of cosmic entanglement that I went to my mom’s grave today and then read your story. Well done, truly well done.
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Wow! We must have some kind of psychic connection. And thanks for the compliment. Writing’s a passion…although I’m still working on being a writer. It’s nice to be told I’ve arrived. I’m not yet completely convinced. hugs…
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Beautifully written piece. It’s so packed full of emotion. I could see the whole scene. Well done.
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hugs for letting me know that you could see my words unfold right there in front of you…means a lot.
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So powerfully written and so sad. Sorry that you have such a scene etched in your memory. This is a very cruel disease, we have all witnessed some of it. For me it was my uncle’s wife who got the disease in her 40s and died of it in her early 50s. So much more needs to be done in terms of research to understand it and to come up with effective treatments.
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Doesn’t seem it will happen in our lifetime. We’re pretty much left to our own devices, health-wise, to tackle the disease on our own. Quality of life includes…a sound mind. Something I take very seriously.
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Alzheimer’s was feasting on my mother This line brought a tear to my eye. Well done, my dear.
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Sorry to hear that. We have something in common…sadly.
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Dear Millie,
Devastating and beautifully written. As we watch my mother in law’s mind being devoured I related to every word. Bravo!
shalom,
Rochelle
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I’m very sorry to hear that you’re in the midst of Alzheimer’s, especially with your husband’s mom. Of all the diseases out there, this one is in desperate need of a cure. Quality of life physically is nothing if one’s mind is gone. hugs…and I’ll keep you and your loved ones in my prayers…
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How very sad but beautifully worded. It’s such a cruel disease. My thoughts are with you xxx
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Hugs, Livonne…for your lovely words.
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This brought a tear to my eye real quick! So vivid,the imagery really jumps out.
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At the time I cried buckets of tears right along with my mom. I don’t remember how we recovered and went on from there. Only what I wrote…remains forever seared in my brain. Hence, the vivid imagery.
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I’m not sure what to say. When I read it the first time I was wondering what’s this story about and how does it tie in with the picture. When I read it the second time, the power and emotion were almost overwhelming. Beautiful work and I’m sorry that this piece had to come from personal experience.
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I’m glad you were able to glean its full impact upon reading it a second time. The words literally spilled out of me with very little editing. It is a memory I will carry to my own grave. Lots of hugs for your compassion…
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Absolutely unrelenting prose, much like the disease. You captured it so gorgeously, the hideousness of Alzheimer’s is very nearly tangible.
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Alzheimer’s is a very tangible disease. Your description is spot on. For me, watching the victim in extreme agony…is akin to seeing flesh rot. Sorry for painting such a horrific picture…
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Don’t be sorry. It’s true talent to harness prose as you did.
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Thank you for such high praise. I’m still trying to wrap my brain around the words…”I am a writer.” hugs…
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Sandra stole the words right out of my mouth. This is one of my favorites of yours; it’s exquisite. Perfectly executed. Each line seems perfectly written, and the piece as a whole really packs a punch. I am hoping this is truly fiction, Mamma, but I suspect not… from the photo and the heart-wrenching words. Beautiful.
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all true…sadly. hugs…
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So sorry for that. Having gone through Huntington’s Disease with my own mother, I can truly relate. Again, gorgeous writing! A big hug, from one daughter to another. xox
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…a knowing smile…and a huge hug…from me to you…survivors, us…
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Like Sandra already said- graphic. Well done, written, painted, drawn, open and closed…powerful descriptive language
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hugs for the generous words…
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My father was eaten alive by dementia. It must be a horrible realization when you discover it’s happening to YOU. It is really hard on the caregivers. Well written piece. I could definitely relate.
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hugs for sharing…if there’s any comfort…it’s knowing we’re not alone in our helplessness…
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What a deeply moving story! The pictures you paint are so vivid I feel like I’m right there beside the daughter and granddaughter watching this heartbreaking scene. Beautiful powerful writing.
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hugs for…walking beside us…
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That’s so sad. I echo Sandra’s comment above about the disease “feasting”.
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there’s no stopping the cannibal…once it starts…hugs for the comment…
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Hugmamma, Heartbreaking story. I know what that feels like. My mother had Alzheimer’s also.That’s a lovely photo of your mother. We have to try and remember the good things about them before the disease took over. Well written. —Susan
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hugs for relating…to the story…and my life…lots of hugs…
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One of your best. The concept of a disease ‘feasting’ is truly graphic, and the picture of the mother’s confusion is spot-on. Very well done.
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Thank you, Sandra. I’m flattered since I consider you…one of the best. hugs…
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