I met Pat on my first visit to Clausen Manor on the Lourdes campus in Waterford, Michigan, where my mother had recently been moved to the Alzheimer’s care unit.
Director Colleen Burke greeted my wife, Julee, and me. “Good flight from New York? I’ll take you to Estelle. She’s with her friend Pat.”
“Who’s Pat?” Julee whispered.
I shrugged.
My mother was sitting at a table with another woman, presumably Pat. They’d just finished lunch. I could have easily assumed they were any two seniors enjoying each other’s company.
“Hi, Mom,” I said. She rose to her feet, slowly.
“You look great,
