My Dad, Edward Quintana, has become very ill in these last few years.
Dad has Alzheimer’s
disease and sometimes doesn’t recognize Mom or myself.
On those days that Dad doesn’t recognize Mom, she finds a little comfort
in Dad’s manners and standards. He is very reluctant and uncomfortable
to be in the same bed or bedroom with an unfamiliar woman, which is my Mom. He
might sleep on the couch. Even though we might think this is alienation, Mom
says that Dad speaks to her as if they are on their first date! Dad constantly
asks her about herself and what she does for a living. Nancy can remember those
first dating days back in 1955 or so…..
I can only imagine how difficult this is for Mom…She has lost her soul
mate and husband in this intellectual form.
Nancy, my Mom, is like a very strong ox, and life keeps adding weight
to her cart.
I imagine that her character type was that of leading the Spanish on the CORRECT
route into New Mexico and into Santa Fe sometime around the 15th century.
I am positive that she found the perfect place to eat that wasn’t too expensive.
This establishment probably had easy parking as well.
And just like a very strong willed ox, Mom keeps on faithfully towing that
cart through life. No matter how sick Dad gets, Mom responds with even more love and care for my Dad.
She really doesn’t look or act like an ox, but Goddamn she is strong
willed. I love Mom as much as Dad!
