I am so grateful for the years that I have done this blog..........for all the friendly people I have met, and for the memories that I can turn back to, any time I want.
Today I went to see Lois in the nursing home, where she has ended up. Another friend of hers, who has been her friend since childhood, drove us over there.
We didn't stay long.
She is in a wheelchair, she clearly can't walk, and can only stand with assist. She wasn't wearing her glasses, but she did not care one bit. She didn't know us, and she had no clue where she was, or what we were talking about.
She smiled when she saw me, but I think it was a smile she would have given anyone, who knelt down in front of her.
We both left in tears. My dear friend, and apprentice of 13 years, who I saw daily, is truly gone.
Only her body remains, and that probably not for long.
Here she is demonstrating weaving at the county fair.
I have so many memories of her. We spent Monday through Friday every week, together in the studio. Weekends, we still saw each other because we walked the dogs.
She was one of the kindest hearted people I have ever known. We talked, we laughed, we groaned about things. We agreed on politics, so we had lots of discussions about it.
We could talk and talk, or we could just be comfortable with silence. Either was ok.
We worked together warping looms and doing shows like a right and left hand, always in sync.
Her presence in my life was a pleasure and a comfort.
I am so, so broken this minute, and the only consolation in all of it is that Lois,
the Lois I have known, my dear friend, is 100% unaware of any of it.
Thank God.
7 comments:
I'm so very sorry for this profound loss. May the rest of her days be peaceful, and may all your wonderful memories sustain you.
All forms of dementia are visciously cruel and I am so sorry that your dear friend has to endure it -- and you too, enduring it with her as a caring friend. Take heart in the realization that she is completely unaware of her physical and mental demise. That may be the only saving grace for any of us!
I'm so sorry. This is heart breaking to experience.
Your last thoughts do help a bit. I am facing that with some friends and family here. So sad.
What a loving tribute! As you’ve experienced, these new realities get tucked into our lives and we learn to live with them though it takes time. There’s still joy to be found, in your family and in your weaving. I’d recommend seeing the movie “Sheep Detectives” - and bring a tissue but parts of it are just silly and fun. - from Another Weaver
Ah, I’d been wondering how Lois was doing. I am glad she is not feeling any struggle, but I am so sorry for _your_ loss. As was said above, may she continue peacefully, and may all those years of happy memories comfort you. And, having fallen down the stairs myself a week ago, I wish you a speedy, thorough recovery. Olivia
How utterly heartbreaking Hillary! 💔 I am so sorry…. Hugs…
Post a Comment