Hi Leah, Despite the hardships that you are already dealing with (and it appears there are many), you are doing a great job with your blog and helping us to better understand the impacts of dementia. Losing focus or interest in the things that you are doing will surely cause more frustration and stress as these tasks get further behind. I'm glad that you remain aware of these details and recognize that it's the illness stealing your attention away from the things that you want to do. This has to be stressful for a lot of reasons. It's hard on your family to see you go through this, especially since they feel completely helpless to do anything about it. I know that feeling all too well with my mom, especially now. Mom's concentration is terrible and she goes through a lot of purposeless movements. It's hard to watch her constantly fidgeting with something meaningless. She has no idea why she is moving food from one side of the plate to the other or why she is putting her steamed carrots in her orange juice. These things baffle me.
Anyway, you continue to inspire and educate us. It's wonderful that you are willing to share this journey of yours with us and that you are able to do it so very well. I hope that your family is as supportive of you as you are of us. They should be very proud of you! Keep up the great writing! Best Wishes, Joe
I wish I had magical powers to "fix" your mom, Joe. It has to be hard to see the woman who raised you and, in the eyes of a child, was invincible but has now lost so much of her personality and purpose of life. I suppose, in some ways, she might be the luckier one of you two...she doesn't have the heart wrenching job of watching you go through this illness. (I don't mean to make light of the subject...it's kind of weird to say "she's the luckier" of the two...perhaps it's just my twisted perspective on the subject. Living it, I am feeling that, even though I am changing and do get frustrated, I can't imagine how frustrating it must be for my Bill to watch me go through it.)
Thank you, thank you, thank you for your kindness in commenting and the wonderful message you sent. You can only imagine how much it helps me! Blessings to you and your mom, God love you both!
Leah
Hi Leah,
Thanks for writing about your struggle. We usually don't realize how the person with dementia live with it, and you are brave to describe it.
I am sure all of us have stresses and worries. I sure hope some of your worries would not come true.
You mentioned that you handle your medications by mail and etc. Maybe you can ask a caregiver or your husband to participate in this so he will know what to do to distribute or purchase these drugs for you. Perhaps you can also begin to delegate some chores or work to your family or husband, so someone can always look after your needs in case you forget. This way someone can do these things for you and you will have less stress.
Glad to see your post and you don't need to apologize. In fact, it is good to see you here knowing that you continue to write and post.
Take care,
Nina
Your comments are right on. My husband is seeing the need to help me more; however, he still works and often forgets what needs to be done to help. I think, too, he is still in a state of denial. I look so normal, and, usually (lol) act pretty normally that it is easy to overlook my illness. Kind of like diabetes...you can't tell someone has it just by looking. I think I will nip the medication problem in the bud by sending in ALL prescriptions at the same time, so they come due at the same time. And, the prescription company is now offering to refill prescriptions automatically...which should be a big help!!! It was good hearing from you; hope to hear from you again! Bless you!
Leah
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What a wonderful inspiration you are !!!
Thank you for sharing. It was so very nice to know you care enough to share your personal, honest expressions. I trust you know you have the hearts and minds of numbers of people wishing you and yours well.
Of equal admiration: How wonderful it was for me to experience your terrific 'between the lines' sense of humor! We have to maintain 'an even keel' and to do that we must continue to look on the bright side. Congratulations on that accomplishment!
Keep smiling, girl ! You are indeed an inspiration !
V
I really appreciate your kind message, Vernon. It always thrills me to know that someone is reading and reacting to my thoughts. I hope, in some small way, to spread the word that we with dementia are NOT invisible. We need to be kept in the midst of life for as long as possible. I try to put a humorous spin on life whenever I can. It makes living that much more palatable. God bless you, V. Hope to hear from you again sometime in the future!
Leah