2, 4, 6, 8 …
That was how mother counted the hoops that I had in my hand the other evening. And yes, there is a total of 8 hoops in the cone-and-hoop game that the physiotherapist had given us for mother.
I wasn’t amazed that she could count, but that she singled out the hoops two-by-two and counted them in pairs. Actually, I shouldn’t be all that amazed – mother continues to show 100% clarity at times, reaching into the depths of her mind to remember and do things that we take for granted. I just wish she’d have more of such 100% clear moments. I think it comes when she’s calm and not rushed in any way, but allowed to take her time. Also, when it’s not “demanded” of her.
Take last Sunday, for instance.
I was having lunch with her (having brought chow kway teow from home and eating with her), when I asked her who I am. She answered slowly, You are my youngest daughter. (Correct)
Next question – How many children do you have?
Her answer – 1 … (pause) … 2 … (pause) … 3. (Right again)
Another question – Where are your other two children?
This is where she went completely off – How do I know? It’s up to them …
A while later, I asked her the first question again. This time, she said she didn’t know who I am.
I suspect she’s aware of all these questions and sometimes gets quite tired of them, and so she “fools” around with her answers, when in fact, she knows.
That’s what I like to think, anyway.
