Posted 6-14-19
The beloved Farmer’s Almanac‘s website, which I trust is at least as reputable as the paper copy found at grocery store checkout lanes near you, reminds us ” The first day of summer 2019 arrives with the solstice on Friday, June 21st at 11:54 a.m. EDT. For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, this marks the longest day of the year and the moment when the Sun reaches the Tropic of Cancer, its highest point. For those who live in the Southern Hemisphere, this is the shortest day of the year and the arrival of winter. The solstice happens at the same moment for everyone, everywhere on Earth.”
The Alzheimer’s Association rightly snagged the fact that June 21st is the longest day of the year to mark as a celebration and day of remembering for caregivers and patients alike. Dementia makes for a longest day every day (bad grammar aside) because the at-home caregiver must tend to the Moreover, the advocacy and research group long ago dubbed the life of a dementia caregiver The 36-Hour-Day, recognizing that caregivers work around the clock with their loved one AND have to find time for self care, family time, a social life and the rest of what makes life bearable. Therefore, each day seems to consist of 36 hours, as best it can. The book, titled the same, is in many ways the family caregiver care Bible.
I challenge you, reader, to contact your local Alzheimer’s Association office or visit their website at Alz.org and find one of the many activities on tap for a week from today. Our local office in Springfield has multiple events planned including a BBQ. While it is a fundraiser day for the association, remember that funds raised are used to supports families in need of help navigating through the rocky shores of this disease and they are well worth your time and donation.
He will likely never read this, but my stepdad served mom in this way for at least a couple years 36x7x365, and never really leaving her side lest she wander off or be harmed. I am thankful he was there and, all things considered, that it worked as well as it did.
Speaking of mom, another good day for her. The increased care, solid balance of meds and lots of visits keeps her eating and feeling upbeat. If the lifespan of my life consisted of a week of days, this current “day” of caregiving and work and home life and driving and being overweight and…..x….and…y…..and….z… has been the longest in my nearly 5 decades, for sure. And I have it easier than the folks I help. So, we march on.
#EndALZ
Brief note of encouragement: an analogy that I have used before and will use again. Don’t be surprised if this season feels dark. It is dark! But remember, it makes up part of the backdrop against which we can compare heaven. Heaven will seem even sweeter, if that is possible, when you realize what you have been through…what He brought you through and went through Himself. Like holding up a diamond: which makes it look better?: holding the diamond of heaven up against the plaid, polyester pantsuit of our quaint “good days” here or holding it up against black, crushed velvet like at a fine diamond outlet? Yup…I thought so too. Sure, I like my plaid, polyester pantsuit kind of days now and then, but I wouldn’t trade a day in heaven for a million of them now. Stand firm, brother or sister. Hold Fast…help is on its way.
(SeniorAge plug: We collected well over 150 brand new box fans in our first fan drive of the season. We will disburse them throughout the Ozarks to seniors who are struggling to stay cool in this stinkstorm. We have a few more fan drives to come too because demand is high! Check out our Facebook page or visit our site to donate or get more info about that we do every day to help seniors, caregivers and families.)