A Soldier’s Refuge

Melvin closed his eyes as he tried to recall the details. His family was desperately seeking to hear his wartime stories before they were lost, which seemed almost daily with his dementia stealing his once sharp mind.
“The attic stairs creaked as you carefully placed your feet on each narrow step. The tiny closet doors were the perfect hiding place should one hear footsteps of the enemy. The mortar was chipping away from between the stacked stone of the exterior wall. Sometimes we would write down our true feelings of the war and place the notes in the crevices not knowing if they’d ever be found. The fireplace chimney leaned as if wondering which side of the country to support. Brother against brother…both believing in their reason for freedom.”

The last few words had been muffled and slurred as Melvin drifted into sleep once more. Oftentimes we wondered when the pain of remembrance would make sleep permanent. But for now our family was thankful to add a few more scattered thoughts to the heritage album.

Dementia and Alzheimers begin to fragment the mind. So much history will be lost if we do not record the memories these individuals have trouble recalling. The details may be few but the rich stories that lie buried need to be transcribed so future generations can know and understand and most importantly, appreciate our ancestors and the lives they led.

What details of your life would you want to leave behind for future generations?