‘Remembrance’ Playwright Reflects on Mother’s Struggles with Alzheimer’s in Heartfelt Narrative
Reflecting on the duty of care
The play “Remembrance” has recently concluded its run off-Broadway.
Theme? The experience of being a caregiver for a parent with Alzheimer’s. Conclusion: It’s incredibly challenging. As someone who has been through this, I often wonder why I choose to confront that painful journey again.
To support others navigating similar challenges.
Playwright Patricia Goodson, who cared for her mother, is well-educated and accomplished. She shares: “Mom couldn’t be left alone. She would follow me everywhere and often get lost. The search was terrifying.
“Disturbing incidents began about a dozen years before the end. My mother had been an educated woman with outstanding credentials for 25 years. The first sign was her memory loss. Initially, caregivers would drop her off at home in a cab, resulting in her screaming and tossing her keys into a box while insisting she had no money.
“One day, she went missing. Bills were found tucked under the front door. Everything seemed strange to her, and she didn’t recognize where she was. When we finally got her to her room, it appeared unfamiliar to her too. She wouldn’t allow me in.
“We brought her to the hospital, where she refused to let me into the room and didn’t pass their test. We then tried a senior center, where an adult care worker would take her back after each visit.
“She couldn’t be left by herself. I hired home care aides, then adult day care workers, and eventually engaged professional sitters. I also turned to my mom’s volunteer center. Bedtime was always a struggle. I would help her bathe, yet she often didn’t remember how to get out of the tub. The moment I entered her bedroom, she would freeze and scream throughout the night. This phenomenon is known as sundowning. After tucking her in, she would talk to her reflection in the mirror.
“I reached out to my priest and sought grief counselors. I struggled to find a way to honor my beloved mother. Many caregivers are navigating similar paths.
“What tends to happen is your mind starts drifting away. Unfortunately, this mostly affects women.”
On the scene
Meanwhile, life goes on in various forms. Martha’s Vineyard recently held a film festival. Model and actress Carol Alt arrived via Cape Air from JFK, although her luggage decided to travel to Saranac Lake. Fans of Sports Illustrated recognized her and assisted her in getting to town and to the Harbor View Hotel’s Bettini restaurant just in time for dinner.
As an equal opportunity writer, I thought you’d like this tidbit.
Fashion trends
Enough with the endless bombardment of actresses promoting products for every part of your body that may need some tender loving care.
Jessica Simpson is now launching her “White Lotus Energy,” whatever that might entail. Sunglasses are priced starting at $40, espadrilles at $99, and cowboy boots at $379. Prince Harry—formerly of the UK—may swing by to snag a little something for his wife from the cashier.
Comedic commentary on ‘Dutch’
And now, more Page 2—or 3—news. Comic Denis Leary, who portrays a boisterous colonel in Fox’s sitcom “Going Dutch”—which I assume Hunter Biden records—claims the Netherlands US Army base is excellent because it takes care of laundry, plus it allows for some extracurricular activities. Whether Hegseth handles the ironing, I cannot say.
New Jersey intro: “Ladies and gentlemen, I now present to you former Sen. Menendez. He came to his job with only 20 cents in his pocket—along with $12,000 sewn into his jacket. Not to mention his tall wife.”
Only—temporarily—enjoying freedom, kids, just temporarily!
