My 89 year-old neighbor, who’s lived in my building since the year I was born, is leaving to move into an assisted retirement community in Washington D.C after being diagnosed with early Alzheimer’s.
Boy, did I not see that one coming.
When I moved in four months ago, Mimi became my instant friend. I’ve written about her… ttp://athingirl.com/2016/03/18/ tp://athingirl.com/2016/03/08 a cross between Katharine Hepburn, Hilary Clinton and a friendly moose…so vital, so funny…and now, felled like a sick Sequoia.
I’ve been weeping since she told me. “I’m not who I was,” she said, in her finely pressed Brooks Brothers pajamas, pearls peeking round her neck.
“Who is?” was all I could say .
“I feel I should make the move while I still have a few marbles left.”
A few? She’s simply amazing for her age. So what if she misses a cue or two…big deal?
I’m 62 and often ask, where the fuck am I?
Of course, this is my selfishness talking. I can’t bear the thought of no more cheese and wine nights when we gossip like teenagers, the thirty years between us falling away. Girls are girls, after all…doesn’t matter what decade we dwell in.
She seemed more worried about me than herself, especially when my eyes filled with tears. Out came the white wine in her shimmering Tiffany goblets, as we toasted to being neighbors and new friends.
Loss…it seems to be the one thing one can count on, like a relative you’d rather not see.
SB
Great piece
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Thank you.
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She made such a difference to your move: eased the trauma. I can see why loosing her would be painful. Alas, nothing lasts forever.
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Yesterday she called me over to come get books. My heart broke. She gave me all her David McCullough that are signed with personal notes from him. They were neighbors at one time. I cried when I came home and put them on the shelf.
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It’s so sad to have a friend move away, long distance communication just isn’t the same as popping next door. For Mimi’s sake, I hope there are plenty of other residents on her level of mental sharpness and love of life. And you never know who is going to move into her apartment. My fingers are crossed that it’s someone nice.
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I hope you’re right Skinny. I just like her so. Too much loss for me…Carmela, Tallulah and her parents. Friends that have drifted away because of my hearing. It’s all too much.
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I know Mimi will be missed…and someone new will move in across the way. Since you both are cut from the same cloth I know you will stay in touch as long as she’s able, via snail mail. ~Elle
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I did ask if I could write to her. She said yes. Sad.
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You have had more loss in the past year than most people have in a decade! I hope the streak is over. She is right though. Best to get situated while she still has a few marbles left and can make her own decisions. I hope your next friend, furry or not, will hang around for a while. Love your new header. That’s a great picture of you. I also like the picture of you on the sofa with the pups.
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I hope she’s the last loss too. I can’t take much more. I’m glad you like that picture though I may put the color one back in. It looks cheerier.
As far as Mimi goes, between her doctor and relatives, I wonder if it was really her decision. Seems very abrupt to me. Wish she had a little more time to adjust. Her pretty house is all taken apart. She gave me some books. I’ll tell ya Kate, took everything I had to not sob in front of her. Need to be contained, for her sake…sigh
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I’m sure it’s a hard time for her. It’s facing the end of the line.
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I know. I can’t imagine what she must be feeling.
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So sad, Susannah. I, too, feel like I am moving into a new chapter of my life (in my 60’s) where I am experiencing much loss. Hang in there……xoxo
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Nice to hear from you. Yeah, I guess this is part of the deal when you’re approaching the last leg of your tour. Mimi is so stoic. Yesterday I told her she was taking this awfully well, and she said, “I’m really not.” Broke my heart.
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How difficult it must be for Mimi to say goodbye to the place she has called home for so many years. Is she moving to a place that is within visiting distance? Here’s hoping your new neighbour is someone who is just as interesting & enjoyable to be in the company of.
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Chevy Chase in D.C. Not all that close, but I believe she has family nearby. One never knows what’s coming down the road. Only God sees around corners, as they say.
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I’m sad for you both, but I get it … I hate it, but I get it. I hope someone nice moves in to help fill the void.
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We shall soon see.
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Great pen!!! No truer words conveyed when it comes to missing a love one. This seems to be the perfect opportunity to visit her and you can dote on her as she did with you. In life roles reversal is a definite. At the end of the day how we deal with that change determines how we bounce back. Thank you for sharing your heart.
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Yesterday was shy of three months that she left. Time sure dashes by. We were talking on the phone almost every day while she said, she may come back. She owns her place that sits here like a shrine. Every time I leave my apt I look to her front door with such yearning but alas…she phoned a week ago to tell me, she’s decided it’s best for her to stay and she’ll be selling her place. My heart gripped though I wasn’t surprised, but the Pollyanna in me thought there was a chance she’d come back and address things differently. Thank you for your kind words. They mean the world. Susannah
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Wow…your writing is captivating!!! Please don’t stop your pen for moving. You are welcome.
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Thank you. Such a nice comment to wake up to. 🙂
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