Sleep talking

My life has undoubtedly been touched by so many good people and good things. I want to document these good people for my own sake.

I visit several elderly women in a nursing home who have limited mobility, vision, memory, etc. I started in October last year and I feel that my life has been enriched immeasurably since then. Last week, (I never use real names) I visited Mary in her room. We were talking and it appeared that she had just woken up from a nap. Her eyes were red around the rims and she seemed slightly disoriented. As we were talking about her upcoming birthday, she pointed to her walker and asked if that was my car. At first, I thought maybe I had not heard her correctly. I said, "You mean your walker?" She emphatically pointed to it again, and said, "No, the car, c-a-r. Is that your car?" I replied, "No, I think it might be yours actually." Her reply was tart, "I haven't had a car in years."

Then silence...I wonder if she is still asleep and I am in her dreams. As I stand to leave, she pulls on my sleeve and tells me to stay just a bit longer. "Okay, I can do that." Then she points to the middle of the room, and says "Are those your children?" I try not laugh. She brings me so much joy and I can't wait to talk to her again.