Sal's site

Visiting a loved one in a memory-care facility means learning to navigate a world where time operates a bit differently. In my essay “Intermittent Light,” I share one hour spent at my mother’s bedside. It’s a space caught between the stark reality of her condition and the surprising, fleeting moments of connection that pierce through the fog. From the dorm-like chaos of a shared room to a sudden, unexpected laugh, this piece is a reflection on presence, love, and the small signs of life we hold onto.

The essay explores the strange dichotomy of these visits, where the heavy silence of a clinical setting is punctuated by the folksy voices of passing staff, the distinct rhythm of two mismatched clocks, and the vivid personal belongings of the residents sharing the space. It’s an intimate look at the patience required to sit in that stillness, waiting for a brief thaw on a cold day, and finding meaning in a mother’s passing glance.

You can read the full essay here: Intermittent Light on Substack