(Snippets from the frontline)
Mother-daughter connection
Her charm and charisma befitted her royal name, Victoria, declaring “I migrated from the Garden State to the Golden State.” Indeed, after her husband passed away and noticeable dementia ensued, this octogenarian moved to an assisted living facility close to her daughter.
Every morning for over a decade, they delighted in a bowl of salad and glass of orange juice while watching the sunrise from her window. This was their mother-daughter connection.
Tragically, the unforeseen took place. Her daughter passed away. Victoria’s memory had worsened by this time, so we didn’t know whether she understood the news.
Still every morning, the caregiver provided a salad and orange juice while she watched the sunrise, but now they remained untouched.
On a Friday, I was asked to visit an ill Victoria, and knew she was dying. Staff told me her daughter’s birthday was Monday, and gently I reminded her.
Over the weekend she seemed to rally, and on Monday I received a call.
The window curtain had been drawn open, and Victoria opened her eyes to the sunrise. When the caregiver returned 10 minutes later, she had peacefully passed away.
The salad bowl and orange juice glass were empty.
Gene Uzawa Dorio, M.D.
This is beautiful, Gene! I am the only daughter who passed from alzheimers. I am so very glad this Mother was reuinited with her daughter at last!