ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE As a little tot, my Mother read fairy tales to me. When I was sitting on her knee, she used to sing and play with me. She loved to laugh. She loved to be beside me come what may. But many years ago God came and took her speech away. One day while I was sitting all alone within my thought my Mother came to me and said: "Take this that I have brought." "Mom, forks, and knives are merely used for food or children's play." At first, I thought to tell her that and take them back that way. Whenever she gets lost from me, I feel tremendous gloom. But I cannot commit her or lock her in her room. She cared for me when I was not able to care for myself; and I will do the same for her with the lifetime I have left. Then I smiled and thanked her for bringing silverware to me. It's just that I was near-sighted without the eyes to see. "I thank you, Mom," I smiled at her and took them back again. "In all my life you've always been most dear, and my best friend. Janet Marie Bingham