THREE - Daniel Ricciardo

Chapter 56 - Old Age

AMY

My dad's parents were getting on in their lives, both of them in their late eighties. They lived in a small cottage just down the road from my parents, keeping in a close proximity as they were declining in health.

My nan struggled with physical mobility, whilst my grandad struggled with his mental capacity. He'd been diagnosed with dementia last year, his cognitive decline affecting us all as a family.

With the career I chose, it was difficult to be able to go and see my grandparents when I wanted to, and it was more important than ever to visit when I could, considering that I was constantly fearing the next visit where he would forget who I was.

"Hey nanna!" I smiled as I entered their living area as they were sat watching the TV.

Their faces appeared to light up when I walked into the room and went over to the pair of them to give them a kiss and a cuddle. My nan looked over towards my grandad as I wrapped him in a hug.

"Who's this Graham?" She asked him, leaning over in her chair and resting her hands upon her thighs as she peered over.

My grandad looked me in the eyes as I smiled at him, mentally egging him on to remember exactly who I was.

"It's Pamela, isn't it?" He said as he stared at me consistently. I smiled at him and squeezed his shoulders.

"Nearly. Do you know who I am, grandad?" I gave him a hint as to who I was, kneeling down next to him as he still inspected my face.

"Oh, it's Miss Ames!" He smiled, using his teeth this time as he showed his crooked smile, some teeth broken or chipped. I smiled and teared up, so overwhelmingly happy with the knowledge that my grandad still recognised my name, at least.

"Would you like a cup of tea, grandad?" I said to him as I stood back up, his hand squeezed mine as he gripped onto me for even longer.

"That would be lovely." He smiled and finally let go as I went into the kitchen to make them a drink. My mom was in the kitchen preparing their dinner as I entered, peeling some vegetables and cutting them up.

"He knew my name." I smiled to my mom as she beamed across to me, placing the carrots back down onto the work surface.

"I don't know how much longer they will be able to stay in this house, sweetheart. Your nan is struggling with the upkeep and cleaning and your grandad, well he's not going to get any better, is he?" She said as she wiped her hands across the kitchen towel.

"Have you talked about this with them?" I asked my mom as the kettle had just finished boiling, ready to pour the hot water over the teabags in each mug.

"I have. Your nan agrees but it will cause stress to your grandad. Your dad seems to think that they're okay to stay here."

"He doesn't want to accept that they're struggling, does he?" My mom shook her head as the silence filled the kitchen.

I wanted the best for my grandparents, especially as they had been so good to me for my whole life. When my dad was away in the army and my mom was in training to be a nurse, she would often do long shifts meaning the only child care we had was from my nan and grandad. All my fondest memories are here and with them. They had been married for over sixty years, a true inspiration to all of us in the family.

Taking the tea into the living room, I handed them each mug as they thanked me. I sat down on the sofa next to my grandad as he reached out to hold my hand, finding comfort in me as we watched the TV, chatting over what the program was. His speech seemed stammered and disorganised as I found myself to be constantly repeating statements.