Letter of Declination

By Karama Neal

March 4, 2241

Dear Dr. Amble,

Thank you for your call on Friday evening. In all these years, My mother and I were outside enjoying the sunset, and I do not answer the phone during those precious times. Once I saw your message, I needed some time as I had not given myself permission to think on what I would say if ever you called with this news. Please forgive my delay in responding.

When we met 26 years ago, my mother was truly suffering, as was I. Her inability to retain more than an hour of memory or create new memories wreaked havoc on our lives. While you promised a cure, I longed for but dared not hope that one would be possible. And here you have delivered. And now I am declining.

Since we moved to the farm, my mother and I have found a sort of rhythm that works for her. As you know, she still “awakens” every hour, but in this new place, her surprise at being finally fully awake seems to fit, as so much else is also new. We are content.

If this cure had been available even five years ago, I would have welcomed it. To see the light of recognition in her eyes. To laugh with her about old stories and hear her joy at creating new ones. To ask her questions that have lingered unresolved for so many years. This all would have been a gift to us. It still would be a gift to me.

But my mother has become frail, and I worry that the required surgery and significant change, though, in some ways, positive for her brain, would be more than her body could handle, given some of her more recent physical challenges. The ability to make new memories without the context of the 86 years of life that she has forgotten would be more than she could bear.

So despite my personal desires, we must decline. I will continue to offer her contentment in the many new days she has in comparison to us. That is my gift to her.

Fateemah, you have been so kind in your care of my mother for so many years. I will always be grateful for the tenacity you’ve demonstrated in developing a cure for my mother’s condition. Your work will be a blessing to others and your friendship has been to us. Thank you.

We look forward to seeing you again soon, perhaps at New Years. Mother always reacts positively to you despite her surprise.

Sincerely,

Gracie W. Nevil