Tuesday, June 2, 2020
Many times, people ask me if my wife (Sumi) remembers who I am. Invariably, my answer is, “I am not sure. And it does not matter as I know that she is my wife.” I also add the example of how, when she is in a good mood, Sumi differentiates in showing affection by knowing whom to kiss and where... me on the lips, Peggy on the cheeks, and male visitors (Tarun Raval comes to mind) on the forehead.
Peggy, Sumi’s morning caregiver, stopped by this afternoon to say “Hi.” Due to Covid-19, this was the first time in 71 days that Peggy and Sumi met. When Peggy came, wearing a mask, Sumi was sitting in the den chair. She looked at Peggy for a few seconds to process who she was seeing. As soon as Peggy extended her hand Sumi got up from the chair.
It was remarkable to see the interaction between Sumi and Peggy. Somewhere along the way, as they were hugging, Peggy’s mask fell down. This brought more emotional moments. I could not capture it all on video since I was observing them and soaking in the moment when Sumi was actually crying (sobbing) as if she had found a long-lost friend!
I have read that the part of the brain that perceives, receives, and gives love does not diminish significantly by Alzheimer’s. I witnessed that today with Sumi’s emotions on full display.
Now, when asked if Sumi remembers me, I can cite today’s re-bonding between Sumi and Peggy. You can watch a short video of Sumi and Peggy’s bonding by using the link below to the website.
“
There are only four kinds of people in the world:
those who have been caregivers,
those who are currently caregivers,
those who will be caregivers,
and those who will need caregivers.
”
Rosalynn Carter (First Lady to President Jimmy Carter)