Death|Grief

I FaceTimed My Dead Mother — This is My Story

I’m still not so sure I’d recommend doing this

This happened a few years ago. Honestly, I’m not exactly sure what year my mother (or father) died. These are not dates that I feel are so important that they belong in my calendar for yearly reminders. But I do often think about this day.

This day will burn in my memories until I die.

A few days before my mother died, my sister was at the nursing home with her and asked if I wanted to see Mom. I kinda did, and I kinda didn’t. I hadn’t seen my mom in over 2 years.

The last time I saw her was when I had to go to Canada for a family emergency (I live in Guatemala, and have for 10 years). She looked like a zombie but not quite death-warmed over. She still had a little colour on her face and some meat on her bones.

A little.

Mom was a beautiful lady. She had an amazing smile and such a wonderful and friendly disposition. Everyone loved and respected her. She just made everyone feel welcome. All the time.

When Alzheimer's hit her in her early 60s, we had no idea what to expect in the coming months and years. I had seen some people with Alzheimer’s. They seemed healthy physically, but they just lost…