mamang

Mamang. My grandmother. My precious.

Mamang. Sure she's got that Alzheimer-something and her body is shaking most of the time, but setting that aside, she's healthy.

Mamang. She needs three person to get her up from the bed because she can't carry her weight anymore, but setting that aside, she's healthy.

Mamang. Her voice is only a whisper, and we have to strain our ears to understand her, but setting that aside, she's healthy.

Mamang. Sleep doesn't come to her easily, and whenever I thought she's asleep, I'll just realize later that she's not, but setting that aside, she's healthy.

Mamang. Lugaw with squished vegetables and shredded meat is her only food because she cannot use her false teeth anymore, but setting that aside, she's healthy.

Mamang. I love her dearly. She's been with me since back when I have to use both my arms and my legs to transport my little body. I remember her giving me baths on the kitchen sink. She took me to nursery school and waited outside my classroom. I help her with the store. We always had a merry talk because she's a good joker. Along with those good old memories, I love her dearly.

And now, every breath will be another memory. Every movement will also be another memory. Every sneeze, every whisper, every smile. I have to engrave it in my mind. I don't know how long it will last, but every moment is important.

I don't think I will ever be prepared for the inevitable, but good Lord, please help me. When that time comes, please, in whatever way, please help me.

[edit] It was Parkinson's disease, not Alzheimer's. [/edit]