amc8588 's review for:

Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez

5.0

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I think this will be my favorite Abby Jimenez book now because it is the one that is most personal to me. Samantha’s mom has dementia. A person who raised her and had this colorful personality has dimmed to a mere gray most of the time… becoming a shell of the person she once was. It all reminds me of my grandpa. My Abuelo still has his sense of humor but it’s not anywhere near what it used to be. He can’t hold a conversation, he can’t keep up with everyone when we reminisce and laugh, instead sitting there with a half opened mouth that is caught between smiling and confusion. He’s happy we are there but he can’t remember what we were just talking about. His core memories are still there. For now; he still knows me. Every time I visit him I’m afraid he won’t. I didn’t know the last time he sang me Elvis or the last time we danced together would be the last time, so every time I see him now, I’m wondering if this is the last time he will say “you’re so beautiful Mija” or “papayou.” For now, I’m enjoying these moments and his recognition of my face. For now he remembers me.

Thank you for writing this Abby. It was both painful and healing at the same time.