Wednesday, November 19, 2014

GRATEFUL & THANKFUL


 

GRATEFUL & THANKFUL

Once again the holiday season is arriving and each year, especially during Thanksgiving, I like to reflect on the year as it comes to an end.

This year was an extremely joyous one for our son Logan became engaged to a very special young lady. My husband and I are doing wonderful and my brother and I continue to grow closer.  Mom turned 90 years old in August and is still able to speak and run around in her Merry Walker.

I posted two pictures (above) for as I reflect I realize how fortunate I was to have two loving and supportive parents. Although my dad passed away 20 years ago I know that I was lucky to have him for so many years.

Mom seems to be happy although most of her life's journey has all but disappeared. Alzheimer's has certainly robbed her of all memories, yet in a positive way it has also removed the negative ones that once caused her pain and heartache.

I'm thankful that my dad is not alive to be experiencing what is happening to her. I am grateful that she is still verbal as she shares words of love accompanied with a smiling face for the nurses; at the place we now call "home".

Her speech is more gibberish yet she still laughs and, at moments, surprises us with a sharp quick answer. Alzheimer's baffles me for somehow in her memory she still can spell and is able to sing the words to many songs.

I do not know how much longer mom will be able to sustain all that she now can do, certainly since she has this disease for over 10 years. So, with each day I remain grateful and thankful that however mom now is, we are still able to share our love with one another.





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8 comments:

  1. Hi Lisa
    I loved your post and yes you have had a wonderful year. I bet you are looking forward to January when you will be in Florida for the month. You will enjoy the time with your Mom but it will also be hard on you. Just remember that the disease is harder on the family the loved one affected. While reading your post we have so many similarities in our lives. My Dad passed away 20 years ago also and this year Mom would have had Alzheimer's for 10 years also. It will be a hard Christmas for me this year but I know she is always in my heart and I also know she is happy now. Enjoy your holidays and have a wonderful time with your Mom. Hugs Carol

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    1. Carol I just want to send some big strong hugs to you and your mom and wish both of you a holiday filled with love. The love we are still able to share with our mother's is a blessing. Happy holidays!

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    2. Have a wonderful Holiday season. Mine will be hard because it is the first since my Mom passed away in Feb. but I will remember her with love. Hugs Carol

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    3. Carol I will keep you & your mom close in my heart.
      xoxo

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  2. Small miracles mean an entire universe of difference. Just the idea of our Alzheimer's-stricken loved ones keeping on is enough to make us think further about the idea of persistence and expand the realm of probabilities, with which an end to the condition can be realized. Thanks for sharing that! All the best!

    Michelle Simmons @ Comfort Keepers

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    1. Dear Michelle,
      I very much appreciate your words filled with optimism and support.
      Fondly, Lisa

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  3. That's tough. I hope that you can always be there for your mother in this very trying phase of her life. She will need your help more than ever, as she trudges through this gradual loss of memory and identity. Stay strong!

    Walton Baylor @ Home Watch Caregivers

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    1. Walton I appreciate greatly your insight to being a caregiver. Lisa

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