Posted 6-24-19
The weekend went well in all things mom & most the Sweet 17. Just a quick observation about Mom today as we collectively chisel the sleepy out of our eyes: Some of these ladies sleep well and some pace and wander are daydream and don’t sleep until daylight starts (Sundowners). They, like most of us, struggle to get adequately awake. At the very least, these princesses struggle to wake up enough to “people”, probably even more so than most people do. The remedy: Most of them, like most of us, are big coffee fiends in the morning. Whether this is a carryover from the pre-dementia selves or something new, it is nearly universal at mom’s memory unit. Mom’s cheerer-upper, however, isn’t coffee. Her morning “beverage”, if you will, is quality time with my stepdad or with me that includes funny faces, “raspberries”… and some cold chocolate milk in a pinch. You see, these ladies are the same as they were before this disease went a’messin with their memory and the rest of their brains. if your loved one is in a memory unit, please don’t hesitate to visit because of fear or preconceived notions. They ARE different, but the old self…at least in part…is still “in there”, and, even if it isn’t apparent, we can’t know what they are thinking. Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up. Said differently, watch this video or this video ALL THE WAY TO THE END (!!) and let them encourage you to keep serving at home or to keep visiting and fighting for your loved one. You guys are all seriously strong…much stronger than you think!
#EndALZ
Sad Note: Stinking disease took another of the Original Sweet 17 Damsels in Distress to her eternal castle over the last few days. She had never left her bed since we had been visiting in the fall. 🙁 The numbers have dwindled down to to a handful of original members, although there seems to always be a line to replace them as they fall. 🙁
Praying you see her “old self” often… thanks for sharing your heart.
Thank you very much! 🙂