My great grandmother Carmela was a small parenthesis of a woman, blinded, with minimum hearing and bright eyes that seemed lit from behind. At 92 she was still living with her daughter Rusina, who had cared for her since Carmela’s husband died in Italy before the family emigrated.
Holding my hand, my mother bent over this tiny woman, speaking loudly in her ear. “This is Linda, my daughter. She wants to kiss your hand.” Her head bobbing, she gave a toothless grin and put out her hand. It felt like a dead bird. I bowed over and put my lips to it. She looked in my direction, and then extended her hand to caress my face. She is unforgettable.
There are few households today willing to care for a nonagenarian. I’m not sure I would, or could, do it. Do you know of any? Are you pro or con the idea?
