About Mighty Iris

My grandmother was officially diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2004. Even before that, we knew that the disease had started to set in, and it was only a matter of time before we would watch her deteriorate. I didn't expect it to be so rapid, and thought that I had some good years left with her before she wasn't able to speak. Not the case.

In Greek Mythology, Iris was the messenger of the gods to the people. Her name means ‘rainbow’, thus implying that her presence is a sign of hope. Grandma had flowers everwhere on the farm, and even though her favorites were gladiolus and some other names that I can't think of, she reminds me of an Iris. We always have hope that for a fleeting moment we'll get a glimpse of her again as we know her, before she goes up to the heavens.

However, there is strength in her still, so Alzheimer's hasn't claimed her totally. It's enough strength for the rest of us who wait for those little "glimpses" that happen every once in awhile. And the do happen!