The weather outside has been bitterly cold lately, so I decided it was a good time to clean out papers that I needed to trash. As I sat in my kitchen, I could see the pure white snow covering the ground. The birds are surrounding the fresh seed I put in their feeder.

Returning to the papers, I found a journal I had forgotten about so of course, I couldn’t help but neglect the old papers and started reading. I found myself laughing out loud at some of the stories I had written about my children, grandchildren and the family fun we had. I totally was thankful I had jotted these memories down.

It made me think about the people who are affected by this horrible disease that takes over our minds. The medical word they call Alzheimer’s. I can’t even begin to imagine the effect it has on a person, their memories are gone. Totally dependent on you, the caregivers.

The hardships you endure watching your father, mother, friend, whoever is in need fall apart. You need to know how grateful they are to have you, even if they can’t remember to thank you. God does.

The snow is still falling, the birds are still feeding.

Dorothy Cavalet

Hollidaysburg