Mitzi is always so grateful for our friendship and my Uber services. What I try to remind her often, though, is that God is doing a BOGO (Bless One Get One) with our unique relationship. It is so important to me that my boys (who are 8 and 12) have an understanding of and compassion for those dealing with diseases like Alzheimer’s. They love hanging out with Ms. Mitzi and they have a genuine concern for her. Plus, she gets to just be silly with them (she’s got some killer handstand and cartwheel moves!).
My youngest son (whose handwriting leaves MUCH to be desired) made me a Mother’s Day card and this line was at the top of it: “My favorite thing about my Mom is she helps someone with alltimers (????).”
They grew up with my grandmother living in the master bedroom (we called it her apartment). She had Alzheimer’s and the boys loved her fiercely. Looking back, what a wonderful gift of preparation for them. There is no fear from them. If a question gets repeated, they just answer it again. I watch my 12 year old son hold Mitzi’s hand to walk across a busy street. He’s not too cool for that.
I’m not sure she fully grasps the gift Mitzi is giving my family in teaching my boys to treat people, no matter what, with love…
