Stories from the Stringam Family Ranches of Southern Alberta

From the 50s and 60s to today . . .



Thursday, February 14, 2013

Let Me Call You Sweeheart

Happily Ever After

Mom and Dad had been happily married for nearly 40 years when she was stricken with Parkinson’s disease. Slowly, her brilliant mind clouded, she slipped into her own world. 
Drawing further and further away from reality and from her eternal companion.
But, at times, and for very brief moments, she was able to demonstrate that she was very much aware of him and that their relationship was still alive and well . . . somewhere.
As Mom’s condition worsened, Dad had taken her to a wonderful nursing home just a block from his apartment. Then, each evening, he would arrive to feed her supper and visit with her.
The only days he missed were the times he was away, visiting one of us kids.
At those times, he would make sure that my brother, who also lived nearby, would be able to help Mom with her supper and her evening visit.
It was wonderful to be a witness to his patient and loving care.
Mom had an unusual name. Enes.
Pronounced: E-nes.
People didn’t quite know how to say it. They would make attempts, usually ending up with something that resembled ‘Eh-nes’.
One of the workers at the home was curious about Mom’s name. “Mrs. Stringam?” she asked one day. “Do you pronounce your first name E-nes or Eh-nes?”
Mom simply stared straight ahead uncomprehendingly.
“Mrs. Stringam? Are you E-nes or Eh-nes?””
Still no response.
Finally the woman decided to try a different route to, hopefully, the right answer. “Mrs. Stringam? What does your husband call you?”
Mom turned suddenly and looked at her. “Sweetheart,” she said clearly.
Even in her condition, the bonds and memories of love remained strong.

10 comments:

  1. A true Valentines Day story.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Best Valentine's Day story! Thanks for sharing! I have so admired your mom and dad and their sweet relationship. I may share this at our RS weekday meeting next week on dementia; beautiful story.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Emily! If someone would like to hear this story, by all means, share it!!!

      Delete
  3. Achingly beautiful story. That is sad and sweet all in one.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sweet sad story. I thought Parkinson's was the one where you had uncontrolled tremors in the head or hands. I didn't know it affected the mind.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It starts with the tremors. As it advances, it has very Alzheimer-like symptoms. A very slow, wasting disease. But with its occasional sweet moments.

      Delete
  5. If only this were the type of love stories in the movies...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I so agree! I could watch this kind of love sweet love story any time!

      Delete

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