Wednesday, December 3, 2014 (5:41 p.m.)

"Generally speaking, I’d say I’m a fan of forgetting; it’s liberating, and usually errs on the side of happiness, while memory is a burden. It’s an ally of remorse, resentment, nostalgia, and other sad emotions."  ~ César Aira

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My mom is 85 and has Alzheimer's. It was clear to me at the time of my dad's death, five years ago, that she couldn't live on her own. I brought her back to Chicago with me; she was born here, not far from the apartment where we live right now.

I'm not in complete agreement with Aira's statement, but forgetting, nonetheless, is what we do. I have a front row seat at an accelerated version of it. Some of what I see may help someone else; it may help me.