In Limbo

Is that the appropriate term for someone between life and death? Someone who is conscious, but uncomprehending?

She sits right in front of you, she's on your iPad screen, but her words are halting, gibberish. What did you do today, I ask. She went to church that morning. Wonderful, I say, who took you?  She cannot remember the name of the person or retrieve the piece of paper where she'd written it down.  I say, "never mind, it's not important " but she is fixated on finding the missing slip of paper, and I cannot bring her back. 

These conversations drive me to despair; it will not get better. She still exists, she’s alive, but the friend  who knew all my fears, hopes, happiness and sorrow, is drifting away, slipping out of reach.

Another friend suggests a different tack: Don't ask questions, instead, talk about the past, remind her of things we did together.

Next week, I will try again.