I remember when it started. We were playing cards, as we had done for years. It's a a simple way to pass the time when visiting your grandparents in the country. The comfort in the shuffling by sturdy hands. Methodical. Solid. Dependable.

"I don't seem to remember how the game starts. Refresh my memory."

Confusion was set deep in those smiling brown eyes.

We made it through that game, but it was the last game. Forgotten card game rules progressed into forgetting how to car and confusion over items.

I visit her in the nursing home, wishing I could pull out a deck of cards to pass the time and share some laughs. But we've since lost the game.