Alzheimers.......

[GypsyAngel]

 Tonight I realized just exactly how much Alzhemiers takes from a person.  My mother is a strong lady.  She is a kind lady.  She is a loving lady. Tonight I helped her as every other year to complete her shopping for Dad for Christmas.  Someone to walk through the store with her to just assist her in her decisions.  What does Dad want for Christmas, what color to buy, what design, little things that sometimes just an added opinion to complete the decision makes easier.  Tonight was different.  Tonight was an eye opener.  Tonight the lady that I walked through the store with was my mother but not the same lady who I have helped in years past.  Tonight she was lost and confused, frustrated that even looking at her list she could not remember her thoughts or the reason she had thought them. 

My heart aches for her, I have taken care of Alzheimers people.  Most forget that those who suffer the affects of Alzheimers are people still and they need tons more affection once the disease starts to set in.  It takes such a tole on the ones that love them the most.  Not only must I set and watch my mother deteriate physically, mentally, emotionally, and all other ways I must watch the tole that it takes on my father.  I love them both very much and do not know how to help.  SaLaVe.....

I do not write this blog to gain sympothy nor to get advice.  I write to keep from crying and becoming destraught over a situation I can not control, understand, nor fix......nor avoid in the years to come in my mother's life nor my own.......

Alzheimers, one of those cruel twists of fate that someday my Lord and Savior will allow me to understand the reasoning behind.....Please do not tell me I will not care when I get to Heaven, caring is who I am......

On to the next day, the next happening, and the next loss of understanding.....

[super_mommy4]

Dec. 20, 2007 at 1:23 AM

I am a caregiver to Alzhiemer's patients.  I only know from the caregivers point of view...the one without the memories of how the person used to be.  It helps to hear from family members so that I don't forget that these patients still have personal desires (even the ones who can't talk).  I've learned so much from my patients and really feel blessed with this experience. 

I wish you strength, courage, support and lots of clear and wonderful moments with your mom.

[GypsyAngel]

Dec. 20, 2007 at 1:27 AM Tonight showed me that I absolutely must make sure that I enjoy the time I have left with her while she still knows me and how much strength I have to gain to be able to care for my father when this all cumulates in the end.  Thanks for your good wishes....

(Original Poster)