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So, I knew where my aunt and her husband were moving last week. It’s actually closer to where I live than where they were, and that was only 20 minutes away.
But, no news since the moved.

They had a landline at the old place, so I didn’t think they’d have the same number, but have no idea what the new one would be.
So, this afternoon I called the place, explained I was her nephew and asked if I could talk with her.
They told me she didn’t have a phone yet, but they could ring the nurse on that floor, and she might be able to get them to come to the phone.
I got voicemail. So, I left my information.

About an hour later I got a call saying "Is this Frank? I’ve got your Auntie!"
Assuming it was a nurse and not a kidnapper, I confirmed it was me and my aunt took the phone.

"How did you find me?" she asked.
"You told me where you were moving," I replied.
"I did?"
"Last week when we talked…"
"We talked last week?"
"Twice. You told me you were moving Thursday, the name of the place and the town it was in and I thought I should give you some time to get used to the place before I called."
"Last week?"
"Six days ago."
"I have no memory of that…"

The rest of the conversation followed that path. She had again forgotten why they were moved.
"I didn’t start a fire! Your cousin told me I did and I’m very mad at her about that!"
"I’m told your toaster did catch fire…"
"It was bad wiring and the maintenance man wouldn’t fix it because he hates me!"
"But, there was a fire. I’m not saying you started it. I’m saying that’s why they were worried about you."
"Yeah, maybe…"

She told me her brother and sister came to help her, even though her brother told me he hadn’t.
"My sister is your mother, you know," she told me.
"Yep, I’ve known that for most of my life…"
"She wasn’t helpful when she came to visit."
"I believe that."
"Your mother is a real pisser!"
I couldn’t help but laugh.
"Yeah," I said. "I’ve known that most of my life too. That’s why I stopped talking to her in 1996."
"I know you know, but thought you should know I agree!"

She did seem very touched I called. Which I guess is good.
She was very clear on one thing "I don’t want to die here" she said several times.

Not sure what to do about that. She and her husband sold all their houses.
Not sure where else she’d want to go…

I guess that’s a cross that bridge when you come to it thing.

I am going to try and reach out to her more often. I used to called about every 6-8 weeks. But, given her memory, maybe it should be once a week now…