Childhood Notes, Advanced Dementia: What My Sister Still Holds

The Notes She Saved

When I was a kid, I liked to write notes, draw pictures, and make crafty things for my older sister. I had forgotten about the notes, poems, and recipe cards I gave her. She has Alzheimer’s and has forgotten many things, but she saved my notes and crafts—maybe not everyone, but many.

Now, as her memories fade and her words are harder to find, we can sit together and look through the tangible memories she kept.

Last week, we were going through a scrapbook, and I found a small note I had written as a child. It said:

To Margie

Although we often yell and fight

I think of you both day and night

I want to tell you here and now

That as a sister, I think you’re wow

I don’t remember thinking of her both day and night when I was twelve. Maybe I did and forgot. But now, with her living in advanced dementia, it is true.

I think of her both day and night.