My mother’s retail business, importing and exporting goods between Guatemala and Chicago, required frequent shipping services. She had used one company throughout her many years in business, Lorenzana. I didn’t know much about the company, but my mother’s products were always picked up and delivered by the same man. Throughout the years, she formed a friendship with the man as they frequently found themselves on the same planes travelling between the two countries for their respective businesses.
As my mother’s Younger Onset Alzheimer’s symptoms set, one of the first things she lost was her ability to manage her business. Her last trip was back in 2003, which she went on because we insisted. We wanted her to see a neurologist in Guatemala.
A few months ago my father and I looked up Lorenzana. We wanted to get shipping pricing for some things we were planning to send to family members still living in Guatemala. We found the company, still in business and located nearby.
It was a Saturday when I made the trip. The same day everyone else decided to stop by as well! Luis, my husband, dropped me off at the office to go find someone to speak to about prices, then he and Mom drove to find a parking spot.
On my way back to the car, out of the corner of my eye, I saw the man my mother had done business with those many years before. He had spotted my mother in the backseat and was walking towards the car.
“¡Mi amiga!” he said. “She was in the car with you! How do you know her?” he asked. “She disappeared!”
He didn’t recognize me, but he was eager to talk with my mom.
I was concerned Mom would not recognize him and he would not understand. I told him her ‘disappearance’ was due to illness and his face dropped. Through the window of the car he said hello to Mom. She smiled and said hello back, but without recognition. He said, “Come on. We’re friends!” But she just nodded. I could feel his pain and confusion. I got into the car and we drove away.
I was surprised that the man had recognized my mother from such a distance and through the car window. And, that he was so eager to speak with her again. It was painful for me, as I knew the man wanted to reconnect with Mom, but that was something Alzheimer’s left her unable to do.
I was struck by how much the man cared despite the expanse of time that had passed. I think it was not only a testament to the type of person this man was, but also to the strength of the relationships my mother formed throughout her life.
