My grandmother suffers from memory trouble. Not exactly Alzheimer's, but maybe a mild form of dementia. She is in her mid 90s so doctors say that is to be expected. About a month ago, my grandma started to forget many important things, like where she lives and how she met my grandfather, etc. It was a drastic change, since she normally remembers these key aspects of her life. Although my grandmother is very fortunate that she lives with my family, in the past few months we have all been so busy there hasn't been much time for in depth communication. I was upset about this mental decline so I decided to try an experiment. For the past few days I have been spending time with her before she goes to bed. I take about an hour to chat about her life, the past and present. I remind her that she used to be called "cookie" and how she loved to play bingo at the senior center where she won cans of tuna and toilet paper. I can see why she may have stopped going there lol. I noticed that these intricate details seemed to generate a memory recollection. She was frustrated because she doesn't remember everything, but I tell her to relax and that she will remember more in the morning. When she wakes up, I ask her the same questions and details of her life. I have noticed such a change in her overall alertness and memory!! I wonder if Alzheimer's patients or those suffering from dementia could reduce their symptoms if they had someone to remind them of their "life story." It is so important to spend consistent time with older people because without reminders of who they are, it is all to easy to for them to stay in a state of confusion. It is a shame that in most senior centers and nursing homes, relatives do not visit very often and the staff does not have the ability to help them remember their life.

One of the things I struggle with as an adult is witnessing people behaving in unethical ways. I say ethical, because I believe most people are taught or spiritually inherit the knowledge of  what is right and wrong conduct. In my daily life if I treat someone poorly I beat myself up and extend an apology. It bothers me if I feel I committed an injustice. Something inside me, call it good manners or divine moral imprinting makes me realize if I made a mistake. However, what truly puzzles me is when I find those who choose to act spiteful to others on a regular basis without any evidence of a conscience. I guess this is the bullying epidemic we hear about so much. I often wonder about a bully's ideology. Of course everyone is susceptible to feelings of jealousy, anger, hurt, and all of those ugly emotions. Possibly, those who bully others are so upset at their core that they can't muster much good-will? Another possibility, not mutually exclusive is that they are spiritually lost, not able to connect with the divine spark within. I do believe that people, having all of their basic needs met are kind and loving in their souls. I guess the answer lies in hoping that those with the meanness bug realize that their unhappiness resides only within them. Only through self reflection can one find the cause of disconnect from others/God and why happiness eludes you.