Happy 96th Birthday Mom.
You look so happy in the picture. Seeing your smile makes me happy, and I’m sorry I’m not with you today.
When I talked to you, you managed to say the words “thank you” but I had to finish your sentence when you tried to answer my “I love you” with “I love you too”.
I think the words are there but they take a detour before they can come out of your mouth. I wonder if you know there is a deficit and I wonder if that frustrates you?
You seem happy now. A simple kind of happy. This stage is so much better than the angry stage.
Your body is strong for 96 years of age. Your mind has been going for a very long time.
It doesn’t matter today. Today is your birthday. A day to celebrate you, just as you are.
I love you Mommy. Always have, always will. No matter what.
Ramble in the Bramble 
With my mother I also found that it was easier for me once her mind was on the down side of gone. She didn’t know that she wasn’t remembering anymore so there wasn’t the pain for her and hence, less for me.
I think you’re right Cindy. I tell myself that this is harder for those of us watching it than it is for Mom. I hope that is true.