She strolled along the roadside and relished watching the horses and buggies—the clip-clop-clipping seemed soothing in its own way. “I like it here,” she murmured, recalling strolls along this same road with Wanita when their family came to visit off and on through the years. Though the place was as rural and tranquil as her father’s in Mifflinburg, it had a specialness about it.

When she returned to the house, Anna partnered with Sadie to cook breakfast—fried eggs over easy and apple oven pancakes. Sadie set bananas in a large bowl for the table, then poured orange juice in small glasses and hot coffee in mugs.

“Would ya like to go with me today to visit my sister Eva?” Sadie asked as they worked together.

“Is this the sister who lives with her Maidel daughter?”

“Jah, and once a week I spend a good part of the day with Eva to spell off Molly. I often take meals over, too. Eva’s sufferin’ from dementia, you see.”

At that word, a shiver ran through Anna. “Oh,” she said softly. “I’m awful sorry.”

Sadie bowed her head. “I can’t tell ya how hard it is to watch her forget everything she’s ever known.”

Anna drew in a breath. “I understand . . . I truly do.”

“Well, of course you do, with your poor Mammi.” Sadie shook her head like she was disappointed in herself. “I’ve had to learn to be careful what I say around Eva now that she’s like this . . . what things to mention and what not to.”

Anna listened, nodding. “Mammi Eliza gets really anxious and upset if someone counters what she’s saying, even though she may be incorrect. We all simply agree with her, no matter what. One of her doctors shared with us pretty early on in her Alzheimer’s that we should come to expect this. It’s been so helpful.”

“Gut to know, Anna. Denki.”

“It’s been painful to witness Mammi’s slide from being an outgoing person full of ideas and life to someone so withdrawn and quiet. Such a contrast.” She looked away, gathering her thoughts. “It weighs heavy on my heart.”

Sadie listened, her eyes bright now with tears. “I understand, dear. And Wanita’s sacrifices as a caregiver are a blessing for the whole family, not chust your Mammi Eliza. It takes a lot of extra energy and patience.”

Anna agreed, thankful that Sadie seemed to comprehend what she and her family were going through, Mammi Eliza included. “Denki, Sadie . . . it really helps to talk about this.”