Eleven years into her mother’s battle with Alzheimer’s, Kelly Gunderson knew not to expect mom Daphne Tresher to recognize her during a recent conversation. So, when Daphne not only acknowledged Kelly was her daughter but also called her by name, it was truly beautiful moment… And, better yet, it was caught on camera.
“I had been taping her, just asking her questions or singing, ‘Jesus Loves Me,’” Kelly told Today. “I never know what I’m going to get when I’m talking with her. I was just enjoying it. And then, when she said my name — and I have an identical twin sister — so, when she said ‘Kelly,’ it just caught me off guard.”
Kelly posted the video, titled “God’s Gift,” to YouTube on Friday. Five days later, it already has 2.8 million views.
Kelly thinks the video went viral because it resonates with so many people: “I think that people see that it’s a moment of clarity.”
Indeed, Alzheimer’s Association spokeswoman Ruth Drew said those kinds of interactions between people with Alzheimer’s and their loved ones happen “more than we might imagine.”
“What those of us who have worked with these folks for a long time know is the person still is there,” Ruth said. “It’s just that they have a very damaged brain, and often times it’s very difficult to connect. But there are still ways to connect. Sometimes, there are these magical moments of clarity and connection.”
