Member-only story
Test Anxiety (My Mom’s Alzheimer’s)
I serve my mother a breakfast of oatmeal and fruit, make sure she is satisfied, wash up the dishes, then settle in front of my computer. Today I will complete my final online continuing education class and take the state required exam. I cannot work outside the home due to my role as Mom’s full-time Caregiver, but I am trying to keep my long-standing professional state certifications current. We discussed this over breakfast, or rather, I remind my Mom and make sure she has all she needs for the next hour or so. She will be watching TV while I take the test, she says.
I walk to my room, leaving the door ajar. I sit on my bed placing the computer on my lap and pick up where I left off the day before. I complete the class in a few minutes. The notification for the state exam looms large and clear.
“You will have one attempt to pass the exam. Failure will result in having to retake the entire course.”, it warns.
There are twenty-five questions. I take a deep breath and click the ‘Start’ button. Out of the corner of my eye I see my mother’s shadow looming at my bedroom door. She emerges, speaking hesitantly,
“I know you’re busy! I know you’re busy. I don’t mean to disturb you. I just want to tell you bye.”
I decide to completely ignore the dramatic play for my attention. I am secure in…
