Dinner out when we saw the middle aged
Daughter and her mom walk past our
Table and sit next to us.
We exchanged smiles.
But I soon realized the mother had dementia.
It was painful to watch the two interact.
The older lady was in distress.
She jabbered.
She wept.
She whined.
As she ate, some of the food spilled
Out of her mouth.
Fortunately, the waitress was kind and
Understanding.
When we were finished, my friend and I
Stopped by the couple's table to share a
Few encouraging words.
The daughter had picked up her
Befuddled mother from adult daycare and
Wanted to have a decent meal before heading
Home.
But how much longer she could care for
Her mom was a looming problem.
The bewildered one didn't understand our
Concern, but her courageous daughter did.
She thanked us for caring and praying.
I suppose some folks would have muttered,
"That's disgusting! Why doesn't that woman
Feed her mother at home?"
Before I knew better, I might have
Said the same thing.