The sweetest and most poignant moment of an Alzheimer’s-stricken 84 year-old woman had with herself was captured on video.
Betty Pettit, a vacationing family from Garden City in South Carolina was distracted by the mirror at the end of one bedroom.
Betty, confused by the reflection she saw in the full-length mirror, introduced herself to her family much to their amusement.
She lives with Joshua Pettit (46), and Bob Pettit (84), who share in the caretaker role.
Betty explains to us that she should have known her name.
Betty, on vacation with her family, spots Betty in full-length mirror and says “I should know her name.”
Betty was first diagnosed with kidney and lung cancer seven years ago. She was eventually diagnosed with Alzheimer’s after undergoing successful surgery.
Betty talks to herself in the video as though she’s just met someone new.
With her reflection, she has a pleasant and friendly conversation asking her: “Are you Betty?” She then goes to bed and says goodbye.
Joshua said that Joshua and her have developed a way to cope with their confusion.
Betty giggles at herself while trying to recall the name of the lady.
Betty’s family is doing everything they can to care for her, as her condition worsens. She desperately attempts to recall her reflection’s name at this point.
Joshua (North Carolina) said, “We don’t possess a full length mirror such as that at home. So I believe that that’s what caused her confusion.”
Although Betty’s condition has gotten worse over the past few months, we are doing all that we can to help her.
She is in a loop.
“In our family there has been always been some silliness which helps us through tough times. Especially with my dad and me.
Betty bids Betty goodbye after their happy encounter and then heads to bed.
It’s important to remember to enjoy these moments because it’s easy to get upset. We are grateful that she’s still with us.
“We have hired help to get us through the New Year, but she is not going to be placed in a house.”
“We will be there whenever she has a need for us, for as long as possible.”