Dear Grandma,
Tuesdays and Thursdays were my favorite days of the week when I was young. You would pick me up from school and bring me to your house, where I would sit at your kitchen table doing my homework whilst eating a Hostess cupcake or a slice of Wonder Bread with butter. A not so "healthy" snack that I would never get at home. After I finished my homework, you'd let me pick out a movie to watch with you in the living room, usually the Wizard of Oz (sorry I made you watch it so much) and we would relax and chat until my dad picked me up.
Sleeping over was even better because you'd make me Chicken Pelau and we'd watch movies while eat popcorn until it was time for me to go to bed. You'd make me Eggo waffles or pancakes with a frappe that Grandpa would make for breakfast. You would be interested in what I was currently into and would want to learn all about it.
Then there was Christmas Eve at your house. You'd have your giant Christmas Village set up in your front entrance. The mini Christmas tree in the middle living room window surrounded by the whole family's presents to each other piling onto the floor, while the cousins and I would play A Christmas Story on a loop in the kitchen and track Santa in the office. We'd all gather in the living room with food while we opened up our gifts. Each of the cousins taking turns to pass out presents. You were so happy to host and bring the family closer together.
I miss those days. Watching you slowly forget who I am has been hard. Going to your house is still fun, but it's different. Instead of you making a cup of tea for me, I'm making one for you, since I know it's your favorite. I'll clean the kitchen instead of doing homework, because I know you'd want the kitchen to be clean if you remembered. I want you to live the way you would want and I am more than happy to help with that.
Gone are the days when you used to take care of me, and now it is time for me to help take care of you. You have done so much for me throughout my life. I want to be able to give back to you what you have taught to me. You taught me how to be a proper young lady and how to care for others. I want you to have the respect that you have given me because you have earned that.
Alzheimer's has taken away the memories from you, but they haven't taken away the memories from me. This disease is hard for you, but it's hard for all of us. Watching you fade away is sad. However, I refuse to let these sad memories outweigh all of the wonderful memories I have with you.
I'm sorry you're going through this Grandma.
So Much Love,
Your Youngest Granddaughter
