Tree. Table. Book.
These three simple words lead me on a journey full of emotions. Tree. Table. Book. is a book written by Lowis Lowry where one of the main characters is in the beginning stages of cognitive decline. Her name is Sophie, and she has young 11-year-old friend also named Sophie. When young Sophie overhears a conversation about her friend moving closer to her son because of her dementia, she sets out to help.
Young Sophie thinks if she can help her pass the three-word test, then she won't have to move. Young Sophie tries to get her to tie stories to the words to help her remember them. But this leads older Sophie to tell stories of her childhood in Poland during World War II, stories untold until now.
It is a beautiful story, but that's not the story behind this slice.
My mother also had dementia, and she was given this same cognitive test. The doctor gives three words and tells the patient to remember them. Then a series of additional questions are asked. At the end, the patient is asked to recall the three words.
We would sit beside mom and wonder how in the world she continued to pass this test. But as time went on, and my mother's cognitive ability declined, this part of the test became more difficult. I found myself, just like young Sophie, willing my mom to say those...
three simple words.
Thank you to Two Writing Teachers for creating
a space for me and other teacher-writers to share our stories.
a space for me and other teacher-writers to share our stories.
Leigh Ann, I read that book last year as part of an inter-generational book club with my granddaughter. The group ranged in age from 9 (my granddaughter) to a 93 year old who came on her own. It spurred discussions that I will carry for the rest of my life including my own granddaughter's proud proclamations that she would always love me no matter what.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great book, one to read with my granddaughter. Thanks for sharing. Dementia robs us of our loved one before death does.
ReplyDeleteDementia is a thief that robs us of our loved ones. I have had family members affected with this and it is hard to watch them slip away. Arjeha
ReplyDeleteI watched my mother forget everything, and it was long and grueling. I'm so sorry, Leigh Anne. Dementia is just a cruel disease that takes those we love from us before they go.
ReplyDeleteLeigh Anne, I love that sweet book about the two Sophies. You have even more of a connection with it now. I'm sorry for all the losses you had to experience with your mother's dementia. It's been almost a year since she passed away, hasn't it? Peace.
ReplyDeleteLeigh Anne, you had me at dementia (my mom currently in the downward spiral) and now the pesky doctor pulls the 3 word test on me during my yearly exam. I love Lois Lowry's books and will search this one out to read for myself. Thank you. :)
ReplyDeleteI loved this book. Lois Lowry is a gift to the world! I love Anita's mention of an intergenerational book club.
ReplyDeleteMy three words are never so simple. I've had to create silly word pictures in my mind so I can recall them later. Have you ever read Gossamer by Lois Lowry? It's one of my favorites and seems to be a sleeper.
So sorry for your loss, dementia is an especially hard way to lose our loved ones.