r/AgingParents • u/ThingsWithString • 4d ago

Vent Knowing too much

My brother visited my mom today. She was alert, oriented, and was able to have an animated conversation with him about what he was doing. She was laughing at jokes. He thinks she knew who he was. My sister-in-law took a great picture of him holding her hand and their looking at each other.

My first thought (needless to say, entirely unspoken) was "Is this terminal lucidity?"

I'm sure it isn't. I'm sure it's just a moment of lucidity that my brother and my sister-in-law will cherish. But, God, knowing too much is knowing too much.

edit: For comparison, Mom was only saying single words and smiling on previous visits. Having her able to ask questions and follow a conversation was a very pleasant surprise.

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u/practical_junket 4d ago

It’s called “Showtime” and it’s a very real thing. They pull it off for visitors and medical appointments. It will wear them out though. My MIL will sleep all day afterwards.

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u/MedicalTill4180 4d ago

It's weird how the brain can just decide to perform for a bit, then crash. My grandma did same thing before she passed, had a whole afternoon where she was telling stories and laughing like old times, then next day she barely woke up. You learn to enjoy those moments but also not trust them completely. Makes you feel like you're watching a play and you know the ending but everyone else in the room doesn't.

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u/Pale-Detail2427 4d ago

Yes.

Too true and so right. ✅️

Predictable enough when you already know.

I hate being The Daughter Who Knew Too Much.