Remember Who She Was
Dragonsfall Weyr
Amber Hills Hold
Vintner Hall
Healer Hall
Hidden Meadows
Dolphin Cove Weyr
Dolphin Hall
Emerald Falls Hold
Harper Hall
Printer Hall
Green Valley Hold
Leeward Lagoon Hold
Barrier Lake Weyr
Sunstone Seahold
Citrus Bay Hold
Writers: Emma, Vix
Date Posted: 31st January 2008
Characters: Vanea, Miranek
Description: Vanea consults Master Miranek about her mother's senility.
Location: Emerald Falls Hold
Date: month 8, day 2 of Turn 4
"Master Miranek?" Vanea tapped on the framework of the open door, speaking softly.
"Ahh, Headwoman, do come in."
She flashed him a quick smile as she entered, but her expression immediately turned serious. "I wanted to talk to you about my mother – without her being present." "I understand, it can't be easy for you." Miranek gestured for her to take a seat. "Or the rest of your family."
Vanea shrugged. "We moved back to the Hold to care for her. I only worry that we could be doing more to help her along." "I'm afraid she'd only going to get worse over the turns, about all you can do is be there for her. I know that it will be hard on all of you, but there is very little that I can do." Words that sounded useless and the Healer knew it, but he also knew that Vanea knew that too. "Try to enjoy the good days, there will still be some."
She sat silent for a moment, absorbing those words with her eyes turned downward, fixed upon the desk between them. Finally she looked up. "But those days will decrease in number, won't they?" "Sadly yes, she'll likely need someone with her at all times," explained Miranek. "They'll need to be patient and understand that a lot of her frustration might be because she knows that something isn't right, and that she can't do anything about it."
"But I can't be with her all the time." Vanea's own frustration bubbled to the surface. "I've my own work to do, responsibilities to the Hold. And I can't ask my daughters to take on that task – they're young and need time to explore their own options and to learn the skills they'll need through a lifetime." "It might take a team of people, perhaps you can find a group of like minded people that she will like too. She'll need to feel comfortable with her carers."
The woman puzzled over this. "Are there many in the Hold who suffer similarly?" The Healer thought for a moment, "You could try talking to Journeyman Zistran at the Weaver Hall, I believe that he might have experienced something similar."
She nodded thoughtfully. "I'll ask him about it, if you're certain he wouldn't consider it an intrusion?" "If you're tactful, and once you explain I'm sure he'll understand."
"Then it's at least a start," she conceded. "Is there anything else I should know or consider?" "Remember who she was, deep down, she's still that person no matter what happens."
"I see signs of that person now and then," she told him. "Unfortunately, we lived away from here for long enough that my daughters remember little of how she was before this happened to her." "Then you need to tell them too, so that they can understand this better." The Healer paused, "Nobody knows why this happens to some people, and why others live on for years as productive members of their holds. It's a terrible thing, but with the support of your family, you can have a lot of help with this."
"We'll do our best." Vanea rose from the chair. "I'll not take any more of your time, Master Miranek, but thank you for your advice." "My door is always open if you need anything."
"I'll keep that in mind," she told him as she crossed to the door. She turned back and flashed a smile that was quickly gone. "Again, thank you."
Last updated on the January 31st 2008