Dear Daughter of Elderly Woman...

I want to personally thank you for the strength and bravery you show when dealing with your mother. I know how much it breaks my heart when she becomes confused and asks after family members that are long deceased or forgets that she was ever married. I can't imagine how hard it must be for you to call every week and listen to her ask the same questions over and over or to ask you "who?" when you mention her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I cannot begin to understand how hard it is for you to stay on the phone until SHE is ready to hang up, or to hear her tell me that you are really her sister.

I want to let you know that I am proud of you, and so is she. You and your siblings are amazing with how devoted to your mother you are. I know it is hard, and I am sure that there are days when it just seems to be too much. I am glad that you have chosen to stick with it, rather than just foist her off on others to care for. We all love her very much, but we can in no way replace the love of her family. She may not be able to express to you how much these phone calls mean, but I can tell you that they are very special to her. The rest of us can only hope that someday our children are as wonderful to us as you and your sibs are to your mom.

Thank you

Barefoot