By
Sherry Churchill
Aunt Sally had left no
instructions about the teeth! After thirty minutes or so, Grandma
came walking in with her teeth in her hand, trying to hand them to
me, and I said, “Grandma, you’re gonna have to do it yourself
because I don’t know anything about teeth!” So she finally put them
back in herself. I am finishing this a few years later. Grandma has
since passed away and I realize now that the week with Grandma was
just about the most special time we ever had together. It took her
about two days to recognize me. I kept saying, “Grandma, it’s me,
Sherry. I love you, Grandma”. The moment she realized who I was, it
was clear. I saw the recognition on her face, as she headed toward
me. She patted and stroked my arm over and over and mumbled, “I love
you. I love you”. Our mutual “I love you’s” lasted all week long. I
recall trimming her hair just before the trip to the mall. I got out
my curling iron and tried, to no avail, to curl her hair. It was
straight as a stick. I told her I couldn’t get her hair to curl and
she laughed with delight, sort of a devilish little chuckle. Now
that I think about it, she always used to say how uncooperative her
hair always was. Grandma, I miss you so much. You were always such a
big part of my childhood. I am so very thankful for that week with
you. But I have an incredible, new respect for full-time caregivers.
Thank you, Aunt Sally. I’m sure there is a special place in Heaven
for you and others like you.
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