Wednesday, July 10, 2019

MY MOM


My Mom

It's been a while since I have shared about my mom. It has been a long journey since she got Alzheimer's; one that I will never forget. These past 14 years have been filled with many different emotions, from unconditional love to friendship and laughter, as well as feeling helpless and an overwhelming sadness.

The picture of mom that I have chosen was taken approximately 7 years ago when she first arrived at the nursing home. It brings me back to a time that mom and I were feeling "happy". The more recent pictures that I have from the last few years, all though touching, can also be upsetting. My son Logan is now 31 years old and has a beard. Six weeks ago he became a father for the first time to the sweetest baby boy.

I profoundly remember my mother sharing with me after my son Logan was born how much and how deep her love for him was. I never truly understood that until now.
It's absolutely amazing how much love I now feel for my own grandchild. How I wish that I could share this with her and tell her that she is a "great"grandmother.

Sadly enough she is not aware of this or,"most likely",anything at all.. I use the word "most likely" since in my heart when I hold her hand, kiss her face and tell her how much I love her I believe (or want to believe) that she knows it's me. The nurses have shared this joyful news with her and with her eyes shut closed she just nods her head.

For quite some time now her eyes remain closed. She barely eats anything and seems to be "surviving" on 3 protein drinks and supplements that the nursing home gives her. Something that they are not willing to stop given the laws of Florida. Mom now weighs 82 pounds and is on hospice. The nurse tells me that she is slowly declining and, it is all in g-ds hands. I am not a religious person, so I am not sure whose hands it's in, yet somehow my mother has a very strong constitution.

Mom will turn 95 years old on August 24th of this year. My wish for her, which is something I have wished for quite a few months, is for her to peacefully go to sleep. Truthfully, this would be the best gift that I could give her. I love my mom dearly yet the life she has been living is no way for anyone to live.

Nursing homes, regardless of someone's wishes, will do whatever they legally can to keep the patient alive. It's sad and, after feeling so helpless for some time, now I think that I have just become "accepting" to the whole situation.

Today I just wanted to touch base with all my wonderful supportive friends that I have made over the last nine years in the world of Dementia. Each of our lives have been touched in many different ways but the one thing that we all have in common and share is the understanding of what this horrific disease is all about.


Sending all of you a big warm hug and thank you for always being there.




"Letter To My Mom" & My Mom My Hero are both available on Amazon worldwide. Ebook, Audio, Paperback.
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=lisa+hirsch

 

10 comments:

  1. I followed all your news from the past & missed your updates, I was so happy to see this update. What a wonderful caring daughter you are, your sweet mam will know you are still caring for her. bless you both xx Barbara.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Barbara you have always been so supportive and kind. Thank you so much.

      Delete
  2. I lost my mom on December 12, 2017. It was her 79th birthday. She told me a few weeks before passing that she was having a birthday beer with Uncle Eddie (deceased). I now know what my mom was doing on her 79th birthday, having a beer and rejuvenated, free from Alzheimers/Dementia! Hugs to you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Fenton so sorry about your mom, yet I love your spirit about her & your uncle sharing a beer. Hope you celebrated your mom's Birthday and life with a toast!

      Delete
  3. No one understands how hard this is on the caretaker. I admire what you have done and understand your sadness.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I appreciate your comment and even more your understanding. I guess you too are a caregiver.

      Delete
  4. We lost my husbands mom last June and it has taken a year to come close to recovering from the disease that was so relentless and horrific for her. I pray that your prayers are answered, for your mom. Congratulations, grandma...enjoy that role to the fullest.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So sorry about your mother in law. Yes it is a horrific disease and yet I was also lucky enough to have/share some "wonderful"times with my mom. Ones that I hope to never forget. Being a grandma is the absolute best!

      Delete
  5. Dear Lisa,
    First, congratulations on your grandson! What JOY!
    As you know, I have followed you and your mom's journey for years. I just read your update and as always, I am sending you hugs and love. Grateful to you for sharing your story.
    When you posted I was in Florida for my mom's memorial/celebration of life on what would have been her 97th birthday (July 11). She passed away peacefully in November the day before Thanksgiving. I miss her with all my heart and soul but I am grateful that she is at peace.
    Keeping you and your beloved mom in my thoughts.
    ~Barb

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Barb, I feel like we have been friends for so many years now. So sad about your mom. She and I were/are July babies. I was born on July 12th.I can imagine how much you miss your mom. I mom will be 96th this August 24th....as you read in my post I wish I could give her peace. Grandma now that is a different story....OMG the best thing. I was told how great it was but really couldn't imagine. It's better than anyone even told me. Sending you some big strong hugs. xoxo

      Delete