My day with Aunt Mary

Sunday Sharon Howard called me and asked if I would visit Aunt Mary. They were out of town, and her home had sent her to the hospital because her speech was bad, and she had some facial drooping.
When I arrived, she seemed happy to see me, after I explained who I was. She definitely remembered Elmer! We had a great visit, looked at old pictures and talked about Dad and Uncle Yatz. And she napped.
When she woke from her nap, though, she became very agitated. She was worried about me leaving, and seemed very disoriented. He speech was markedly more slurred, and I also saw some facial drooping. I tried to calm her fears, without promising to spend the night. I also asked the nurse if she could have something for her anxiety.
Aunt Mary was hooked up to wires, and an IV, and was restrained in her bed so she wouldn't get up. She understood that we had to call the nurse for restroom time. And recognized when she had to go.
She ate very little supper, about 5 bytes of meat, a very small potato, and 2 bytes of applesauce. She was worried about me eating and told me to finish off her meal. I told her I had some pretzels, so I was good.
I said my weekly rosary with Aunt Mary, I had an extra one so I gave it to her. Several times she looked at it in her hand and seemed surprised that she held it. But I could tell she knew we were going to pray, 'cause she folded her hands. As we (ok I) prayed, she fell asleep around the second decade. She looked very peaceful.
When she awoke, she was again very agitated and worried about me leaving her. We had a 30 minute conversation that was mostly gibberish on her side. I could occasionally pick out a word. But I sensed that she wanted me to ask the nurse if I could spend the night.
I asked if they would give her the anxiety medicine. She was soon feeling OK and even smiled and said OK when I told her I had to go. Her nurse promised to wait in the hall for a bit so she would be there if she became anxious or upset.
My day with Aunt Mary was such a blessing. A couple of times when she looked at me I saw Dad's face and expressions. But no one has her laugh. I got to hear that a couple of times. And see her sweet, sweet smile. Love you, Aunt Mary.