Forgetting

Last night I went to bed exhausted as usual, following a full day, and fell asleep immediately. This was around midnight. Around 4:00 a.m., Muddear awoke and began to call...

"Lady! Lady!... Come in here lady."

The "Noooo, say it isn't so" began to register in my brain. Stumbling blindly towards Muddear's room, I discovered her standing in the hallway with her cane - albeit using the wall to hold her up, because she needs a wheelchair. Over the years, Muddear has only managed to walk 5 feet or less with the use of a walker. After maneuvering Muddear back to her wheelchair, I explained unsuccessfully that it was the middle of the night and time for her to get back in the bed. Of course, I practically ran back to my room to get back in the bed. Not understanding why Muddear had decided it was time for her to go home, now!

Within minutes I was startled awake by Muddear yelling, "Lady!... Lady!" Desperate for sleep, I ignored the call hoping she would get in the bed and go back to sleep. Unfortunately, that did not occur. Sometime after 5:00 a.m., I found myself stumbling blindly back toward Muddear's room when I realized she was banging her cane against the wall to get attention. Once I identified who I was - her granddaughter - Muddear thanked me for taking care of her, hugged me and returned to bed. I thought... is that all it takes? A simple reminder of who I am? Just kidding, I am not that naive.

After dozing off, I was once again started awake by Muddear yelling... "Lady!... Lady!" Again, I waited to see if she would go back to sleep. And then my alarm clock began to ring. How could I have forgotten about these sleepless nights?