I am hungry. Did I eat? I go to the kitchen. I ask my daughter. She said I'd had hard-boiled eggs with toast; But if I was hungry, she would fix me a snack. I nod and move to sit on the sofa, where I will wait. I go to the kitchen. A familiar lady is fixing cheddar cheese on crackers. "That looks good," I say. "It is for you," the lady answers. "I like cheese on crackers. Cheddar is my favorite. How did you know?" "I am your daughter. I know the things that are your favorite," she smiles sweetly. "Your smile reminds me of George. Where is George? I will share my snack with him." She doesn't answer, continuing to slice the cheddar thin, like George and I like. I go to sit on the sofa to wait. I go to the kitchen. "It was so nice of you to come and visit me," I say to a lady making cheese and crackers. "Mama, go wash your hands. Your snack is ready," the lady says as she carries the snack on a tray to the sofa, setting it down on the coffee table. I go into the half bath just off the entry-way. My tiny bag containing lipstick and George's wedding band lies partially open on the vanity. I wonder why George is not wearing his ring. I unzip the bag and lay it back, fully open. I spy little squares of yellow paper just under George's ring. I lift the one on top. It is a note in my handwriting. George is in heaven now. Then I remember as I unfold and read one note after the other. Little notes everywhere. My life becomes clear. I go to sit on the sofa to wait. I see a tray with cheese and crackers on the coffee table. I hope the cheese is cheddar. I will share my snack with George. Cheddar is our favorite. By Lisa H. Owens Inspired by her mother who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. Published on Spillwords. [March 16, 2021] Published on Beneath the Surface News Selected as a finalist in the Q1-2021 Creative Nonfiction Essay Contest hosted by WOW! (Women on Writing).
1 Comment
12/7/2020 08:51:02 pm
Lisa, that was so beautiful. That touched me so deeply considering all of my grandparents had Alzheimer's. I just really pictured everything that happened and my heart goes out to her. Beautiful work!
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