Loving Daughter

I can hear the pain, Regina.  Unfortunately, I can't be of much help as I am pretty much in the same place as your mother, though maybe not as advanced.  I have almost no short term memory.  I am amazed every day at what I don't remember.  If you've read some of my blogs, I know you know what I'm talking about.  Your mother is very fortunate to have such a loving daughter at her side.  I can only imagine the drain it is for you--as it is for my husband--having to deal with someone with almost no short term memory.  It's a funny disease--we look almost normal and can relate with others in an almost normal way, but just don't ask us a question about something that happened in the recent past!  I suggest that you get out of the house and do fun things with your friends on a regular basis, to re-energize yourself.    Also, ask her doctor about Aricept or other drugs which help with dementia.  Lastly, keep reading this site.  There is invaluable support here.  God bless you, Regina, and your mother.

Leah

I know what your'e going through. I know that mom is going to get worse and it scares me too. I try to keep my faith in tack and know that God will be with me. I hate to see mom like this it's not fair to her. I hope I go to heaven before that happens.

Dear Regina,

I am very understanding of your present emotional state and your concern for the decline in your beloved mother's short-term mem-

ory loss, for I experienced this with my late mother.  As I recall, the repetitive questioning phase, though quite distressful at the time it endured, did not last more than a few months, in my mother's case.  She then seemed to have regressed to a point that she probably did not remember the SUBJECTS about which she had so frequently been so curious, as she no longer seemed to initiate questions. 

So, please, for your own peace of mind later, consider that you could now be in a precious time during which she now can understand you as you speak in the present, at least.  I would suggest that you say all the things that might otherwise cause you to later say, "Oh, if only I could have told her . . .  (this thing or that thing).   You will both be better for you heeding my suggestion.

I would love to be able to hold you and we could cry on each other's shoulders, for I have been where you are and where you will be.  As you walk this road, you will step in the footsteps made by many daughters before you - and, sadly, many will walk in our shoes (including my daughters) until this hateful thief is apprehended.  God be with us all.

Love,

Sojourner