THE CHESS GAME

Peggy continues to surprise me.

For several weeks, she would not talk with me. She would lay the phone down and walk away.

That is what I was expecting today but instead she talked. I told her that I loved her today and she replied, OK.

I said, Peggy, you do know that I love you and think of you every day, don't you?

Yes, she said.

That is all I wanted to say to her today.

That is all I wanted her to hear today. 

Alzheimer's disease takes the people we love away and then, out of nowhere, gives them back for a few seconds.

It is a game of Chess with a monster...Now you see me...Now you don't!

I never know what to expect when I call Peggy because Alzheimer's sets the rules of the chess game and changes them at will.

Today, I heard her voice.

Tomorrow, maybe not.

Alzheimer's may be in control of this chess game but I will never stop playing and trying to win.

I won today because I heard Peggy's voice and she heard mine.

Game....Mary Louise!!!        

Tomorrow the rules will change again and I will play the game again.

I will play the game until Alzheimer's folds the game board and takes the pieces that are left of Peggy and declares....

Game Over!

I Love You Today, Peggy!

Mary Louise