'I'll love you forever.'

Possibly. I learned to enter other worlds. Out of necessity.  So that I could reach dementia-riddled Jeanne. To show her my love. My devotion. So that I could help her overcome. The many pitfalls of dementia. For instance, paranoia. I had to convince Jeanne. That I was on her side. That I was with her. That I could be trusted. To prove the point. I insisted. That Jeanne be exposed. Only to good vibes. No bad vibes. If I were upset. Or angry. I had to hide that from Jeanne. In fact. I cautioned everyone. In Jeanne’s presence. To learn and practice the intricacies of good vibes therapy. If Jeanne had visitors. I encouraged them to take turns. To see and converse with her. One at a time. To hold her hand. To look directly into her eyes. To speak in pleasant and soothing tones. To smile. I kept reminding Jeanne. That she was loved. That she was my one and only. Yes. Yes. My true love. You know what?  Jeanne believed it. The paranoia went away. When I put Jeanne to bed every night. I kissed her on the forehead. I reassured her. ‘Jeanne, dear Jeanne. I’ll love you forever.’ --Jim Broede