I treasure the early morning these days as Cheryl’s disease destroys her mind.

Last evening – pizza Tuesday – I watched her interact or not with the conversation around the table. Reminiscent of family gatherings when she and her family was younger, there was laughter and loud talk, multiple conversations and talk of upcoming travel and other events. She seemed overwhelmed and at the same time comforted. It was like old times.

Her conversation was confused when we returned home. What time is Nancy coming to pick me up? Will Jan be with her later? I couldn’t hear what Dan was saying. When we have the next family reunion… Her chatter goes on and on. Dan was not there and Jan has passed from this life.

I mull over her conversation in my mind and wonder what if any of it she will remember. At about 1 am she awakened and wanted to go get the cookies out of the oven. I somehow convinced her that she was probably dreaming and we could make cookies tomorrow. After using the toilet we returned to bed and eventual sleep.

In the morning these days I awaken about 7 am and leave Cheryl to sleep undisturbed until 9:30 or so.

It is peaceful. I hear her gently snoring in the bedroom as I read and enjoy some coffee. Or write these little stories.

Carpe Diem.