"A Worn Path" by Eudora Welty

When reading this story about an old Grandma whom I thought had Alzheimer's, I found myself getting caught up in whether or not the grandson was alive or not. I first questioned whether or not he was alive when Phoenix forgot why she was going into town and forgot all about her grandson until the doctor reminded her why she had come. This seemed suspicious because it seemed that if Phoenix couldn't remember what she was doing, she might be blocking out hurtful or painful events such as her grandson's death. I also found it odd that the doctor asked if Phoenix's grandson was still alive. I thought that maybe the doctor was asking to detect if Phoenix had come to terms with the death yet or if she was still holding on. Question 6 talks about the author's response to the question of whether or not the grandson is alive. The author responds by saying "Phoenix is alive." I realized after reading this question that it is not the grandson whom the story is focused on but Phoenix. The fact as to the grandson being alive or dead does not matter. The way I look at it, either way the grandmother is still doing a loving and caring act even if her grandson is dead.