The Day that Gran Forgot

by Tracy Weston
^{(creative writers at www.morewriting.co.uk)}
It was horrible and it happened on my eighth birthday. I call it 'The day that Gran forgot' although I wish that I could forget it. Not only did Gran forget what day it was but she also forgot that it was my birthday. That was bad enough but then she went and forgot who I was!

"Who are you"? she exclaimed.

Maryann started to giggle and was pointing at Gran's pink fluffy slippers. Even Auntie Betty (who always wore her slippers to the corner shop) had made a special effort for my birthday and was wearing shoes.

Why was Gran wearing her slippers? Why had she forgotten my birthday? Why had she forgotten who I was? Where was my present? I had lots of questions to ask my father.

"Why has Gran gone so horrible?" I shouted to Dad later that evening in the garden as he watered the plants. "She hasn't given me a present so I don't think she can love me very much."

"Sssshhh, come here, Mark. Of course your Gran loves you."

"But ..."

"Your Gran hasn't been well for some time and she's getting worse. She has Alzheimer's disease."

"Pardon?"

"Alzheimer's."

"Is she going to die?"

"No, your Gran may live for many more years but her health will get worse. It affects her brain ... things like her memory."

"Is that why she gets lost?"

"Yes."

"She never puts sugar in my tea."

"Well, we can all forget the little things but there are bigger, more serious things."

"Like forgetting who I am?"

"Yes ... her concentration is poor."

"What does that mean?"

"Hmmm ... well ..." Dad did that funny thing where he creases his face up and I knew I'd asked a good question. "Sometimes she starts doing one thing and then her mind wanders onto something else. Do you remember the time when she left the chip pan on and went out shopping?"

"Yes, and the kitchen was full of smoke! Maryann thought the firemen were great!"

"Weeell ... luckily no-one was hurt. It could have been a tragedy. Anyway, that's why Suzie, the carer, now cooks your Gran's meals. It's a lot safer that way."

I looked at my father's serious face and tried to think of another good question.

"Dad, why did she wear her slippers to my party?"

Dad smiled. "She forgets. She needs someone to remind her. Suzie usually does all those little things. But your Gran was angry today and wouldn't have any of it."

"Why was she angry?"

"We don't know, Mark. Alzheimer's affects her moods too. We just have to be patient and understanding. Try not to let her moods upset us."

I thought about this for a few moments.

"She should see a doctor."

"Yes, she already has, and a specialist. The doctor gave her some tablets that may help her but they won't cure her. Can you understand that?"

I wasn't sure. It didn't sound too good to me.

"Can we catch it"? I felt nervous.

"Noooo ... it's not something you catch. Not like a cold or the flu."

"How did Gran get it"?

"No-one knows for sure. It's usually something that older people get. Older than sixty-five. Rarer for younger people to get it. There are many possible causes and reasons. The scientists are still trying to find out."

"Well, I wish they'd hurry up. I don't want to get it when I'm old!"

"I doubt you will. You shouldn't worry about things that might never happen." Dad ruffled my hair and smiled. "Oh look,here comes Gran now."

Gran was coming across the lawn, pink fluffy slippers on her feet and underneath her arm she carried a present.

"Soooo you're the birthday boy! This belongs to you, I believe." A smile as she pushed the present into my hands.

"Wow, thanks, Gran!"

Something was happening to Gran's face. I think she knew who I was. She looked happy but then puzzled. Gran turned and walked back into the house and the smile had gone.

"She's quite funny really, isn't she, Dad?"

"She can be."

"She's still my Gran though, isn't she, even if she doesn't always know it!"

"She is. And she needs us to help her from now on, Mark."

"But can we buy her some new slippers, Dad. People will laugh at her if she wears those."

Dad laughed out loud. "We can't have people laughing, can we? I think we can manage that. Come on, lets go indoors and see what your gran thinks of that idea."