This afternoon two friends and I visited with a high school class mate, so obviously a long term friend, who is suffering from dementia. It was a sweet happy/sad visit. On the one hand she was delighted to see us and knew our names and even introduced us to one of the nurses. She was well dressed and looked good. The facility she lives in is excellent. We talked about old times and family and friends and laughed a lot. But as we visited sneaky little clues would pop up that all was not as it seemed. She talked a lot about family but couldn't remember names, which isn't that unusual. I often forget names; but not of my deceased husband or nieces and nephews. It became obvious during our conversation that she thought she was still living in Chicago, and was somewhat distressed that she couldn't find her car. At one point she was trying to use her tv remote control to phone her brother and didn't understand why he never answered her calls. Then a little later, having tossed the remote aside and forgotten about trying to make a call, she told us quite clearly that she didn't have a phone any more. I'm very glad we went. Overall, it was a good visit, but I'm beginning to dread the time that will come when she doesn't know us anymore. I will miss her quick smile and quirky personality. I will miss her.
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