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Therese Flanagan

I read; I write: I shoot photos. Chocolate is involved. There is also coffee and ale.
  • Autumn in Chicago
  • Chicago Nights
  • Wings and Wonders and Weather
  • BOOK LAUNCH / On Forgetting
  • Excerpts from On Forgetting
  • On Forgetting
  • 1 Photo 1 Story
  • Contact
  • On Forgetting
  • Photo Gallery
Maggie

On Forgetting

December 10, 2015 in memoir, history

"Generally speaking, I’d say I’m a fan of forgetting; it’s liberating, and usually errs on the side of happiness, while memory is a burden. It’s an ally of remorse, resentment, nostalgia, and other sad emotions."  ~ César Aira

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My mom is 86 and has Alzheimer's. It was clear to me at the time of my dad's death, six years ago, that she couldn't live on her own. I brought her back to Chicago with me; she was born here, not far from the apartment where we live right now.

I'm not sure that I agree with Aira's statement, but forgetting, nonetheless, is what we do. I have a front row seat at an accelerated version of it. Some of what I see may help someone else; it may help me.

Tags: Maggie, Alzheimer's, On Forgetting
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On Forgetting

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