Alzheimer's Daughter by Jean Lee: January 2015

The Story

Alzheimer’s Daughter introduces the reader to my healthy parents, Ed and Ibby, years before their diagnosis, then recounts painful details as our roles reversed and I became my parents’ parent.

Their disease started as translucent, confused thoughts and ended in a locked memory care unit after a near decade of descent into the opaque world of Alzheimer's.

I began writing Alzheimer’s Daughter one week after my mother's death––when I was stunned, realizing Dad had no memory of her or their 66-year marriage.

I write to pay tribute to the undying spirit at Ed and Ibby's core, and with the hope that the story of their parallel decline might be helpful to others.

Monday, January 19, 2015

January 16th would have been my parents' 71st wedding anniversary. Reposting this from two years ago, slightly revised.

Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad. I envision you reunited and restored, celebrating together in heaven––Dad, your arm is protectively around Mom's shoulders, her head is snuggled into the crook of your neck.

This is one of my favorite pictures of you. I believe it must have been taken when you were dating. When I cleaned out your house, I found the photo stashed in the front of a ripped cardboard box, with a gold foil paper-covered lid, which might have once held Hallmark cards. Inside that box, I found WWII dog tags and your early love letters from 1941 to 1944. I felt like a spy reading something so private between you. In fact, Annette and I nearly threw the envelopes away without ever opening, thinking we were invading your privacy by reading. But, as I started reading, I couldn't stop. The terms of endearment you used revealed much about the way lovers talked to one another. Some of the mundane events spoken of remind me a little of today's texting. In a few, your desire and longing for one another is palpable, yet written discretely.

Each chapter of Alzheimer's Daughter begins with one of your letters, showing your love written in your own words––the beginning of the devotion which allowed you to hold tight until life's end, even as Alzheimer's devoured and ravaged.

I think people can learn so much from your letters. Mom, here is your first letter to Dad. It's obvious you were nervous to write since you weren't dating yet and Dad had just left for the Army.

November 11, 1941

Dear Ed,

I don’t know why––but it seems so much easier for me to tell you in writing how much you mean to me. You know there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you. In these uncertain times everyone needs someone to live for, to dream about––without this we’re lost.

Ed, I love you with all my heart. I’d consider it an honor if you’d allow me to wait for you until the war is over.

Why couldn’t I have realized, and told you about my feelings in person, before you left for the Army? I am so very sure now.

Lovingly,

Ibby

This letter was the beginning of a relationship lasting 66 years. Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad!