Someone who was very close to me for many years, is my same age (we celebrated our bog 4-0 together 10 years ago!) is laying near death in a skilled nursing facility. It has been sad and shocking for someone so young to be taken by brain cancer.

I was up visiting on Saturday even though she is no longer aware of our presence. I was walking down the hall at this nursing home and a woman in a wheelchair who looked to be at least in her 90s spoke to me in a clear and strong voice ...

"what color is your hair?"

Me: "Brown"

Grand Lady: "I see auburn too"

Me: "Yes, I have some red in it too. "

Grand Lady: "You should thank God you are so beautiful and have such lovely hair"

I was stunned. While I realize that she probably has dementia and likely has this same conversation with every woman that walks down the hall, it actually was a very wise remark and gave me pause... a reason to stop and ask myself if I am remembering to be grateful. I was reminded to thank God daily for everything I have - not really just appearances but everything. I get to go out and enjoy life. I can run, jump, breath, laugh, hike up a mountain, go dancing, go out and play with my friends, ride my horse on a beautiful day. Enjoy life and remember to give thanks. I was able to do some of these things as a super morbidly obese person, but it is ingrained in my life now... and that is a good thing.

Thank you for posting this, it's a good reminder. I'm so sorry about your friend.

me too, I am sorry about your friend. one of mine died yesterday in her early fifties, a nurse, cancer... thanks for the gratitude reminder, and all your posts. I enjoy your wisdom that is helping me along the way. love, sara

The interesting thing about people with dementia is they have no filter. They say what pops into their minds...she probably thought that very thing about you and was completely honest in her observation....that is something about that illness....

My mother in law had it and she started to love me and hate her children. lol before she got that she loved her children and hated me....See she did figure it out after all......