Dementia-Ridden Grandmother Accidentally Says Something Profound

Story by Ben Plowman 

| Published Dec 15, 2009

88-year-old great-grandmother Loralee Bucciero surprised everyone around her earlier this week when she composed a sentence that was not only a complete thought responding to reality, but was also quite moving, family members reported.

"A lot of what granny Bucciero says is either racist or batshit crazy, so for her to revert, even for a single moment, to the granny we remember was pretty much a miracle," said grandson Daryl Turco.

The event in question happened during a family gathering to celebrate the college graduation of one of Bucciero's great-grandchildren. Despite her typical aversion to young children, she asked to hold her 2-year-old great-granddaughter, Hallie Perotti.

"Do you know who that is?" asked Hallie's mother, Ruth. Hallie shook her head.

"Good," said Bucciero. "I don't remember you, and I probably don't like you, but we're family, which means we have to love each other."

Bucciero smiled a moment before adding, "But if you ever steal another silver dollar from my purse, then you won't be going to the promenade this year."

At press time, Bucciero was yelling at her grandson for trying to poison her so that he could get all of her money.