I made this video while visiting my cousin Leslie in her first memory care residence. It was a nice day, and we’d spent most of an hour or so in the courtyard, sitting with our backs to several trees and watching shadows of their leaves dance on the grass. We couldn’t see behind us, but the shadows and sounds of the breeze left no doubts the trees were still there.
The video recorded a sample of those sights and sounds. It also reflects the kind of inferences it takes to stay connected with someone who’s living with Alzheimer’s. Even though Leslie can no longer talk, if I’m attentive enough to her cues, she and I can still communicate and enjoy each other’s company. Our exchanges may be less direct than before, but her expressive behavior leaves me with no doubts she’s still there.