Help, I'm locked up and can't get out!

Leah Living With It has vascular dementia A former teacher, majorette. A wife, mother of one, grandmother of... Send Message Subscribe: Leah

Tuesday, September 04, 2007
View All of Leah's Posts

Several years ago, my sister-in-law had to make the hard decision that her mother could no longer live alone. It seems that she had become forgetful enough to leave the stove on, etc. so much so that her husband was locking her on the screened porch while he went to work. Her mother would...

Hide Comments | Add comment

Locked up
Carol Bradley Bursack
Sunday, September 09, 2007 at 04:29 PM

It breaks my heart that you and others with this disease (and my dad, with his surgically altered brain) have to go through this emotional pain. I hear my dad saying, in my dreams, "my universe has gotten so small."

You are accomplishing great things by journeling for us, Leah. Take care,
Carol

Help, I&#39;m locked up and can&#39;t get out!
Coni Townshend Halko
Thursday, September 13, 2007 at 11:53 AM

Leah - It saddens my heart to know you live with fear...but, at the same time it touches my heart to see you face your new life with such a courageous, positive spirit!

Leah
Karen
Monday, September 24, 2007 at 06:21 PM
Leah, knowing you before as an active, vibrant, creative person, I know this is not you. But reading about your thoughts and feelings helps me understand better what you are going through, and it will help others understand their loved ones better, as well. This journaling is a wonderful outlet for you, both to help keep your brain alert and to let out the frustration I know you are dealing with.

help
Leah
Monday, September 24, 2007 at 08:48 PM

THanks, Karen. THis is something that Bill and I are dealing with. He has been such a big support and cheerleader for me. Writing has helped me with my communication. It forces me to focus. I am "meeting" wonderful people who give me back so much more than I gave them.
Leah

wow!
Cathrynn
Tuesday, September 25, 2007 at 03:23 PM

That is such an articulate and engaging piece on living with Alzheimers. Is it that you can communicate better through writing than through talking? In some ways, it seems that you are almost at peace with your condition - but I imagine it is very, very hard. Thank you so much for this insight into how a sufferer with dementia feels - I will so look forward to reading more of your journals, Leah....

Cathrynn

re: wow!
Leah
Tuesday, September 25, 2007 at 05:10 PM

I am going to write about this same thing soon, so keep watching. And yes, I have come through the grief to acceptance and peace. Thus, I write.
Leah

Wow
Robin
Friday, June 20, 2008 at 03:22 AM

I am intrigued by your writing. I think it's interesting and about time that someone who has the ability to look from within out and tell how it is with this dreaded disease. Keep writing; you inspire everyone by your words. And KNOW that there are tons of people out here in the WWW that hang on your words. You're doing a great thing; very powerful. You have responded to some of my comments and I've really learned from you. I only wish the best for you and for a long, happy life.

re: Wow
Leah
Friday, June 20, 2008 at 09:57 AM

My dear Robin, your words touched and warmed my heart! I sometimes feel very lonely in this world of mine...and responses like yours let me know that I need to keep writing. Lately, with all the awful things happening to my loved ones, I have felt so lost...words do not come to me. Writing is more difficult. You have inspired me to keep writing on my next blog entry. Thanks so very, very much!

God bless you. Leah

re: re: Wow
Robin
Saturday, June 21, 2008 at 12:29 AM

Me inspire you? You honor me with your words. I am sorry about your loved ones. I lost both my parents last year within weeks of each other, am a writer as well and understand what it takes to write when your heart is breaking. Try to remember that the tough times are the ones where lessons reside.

Something you said - that you just don't have any interest in what you once did and now sitting alone doing nothing is something you like to do. I saw that in my mother (you two run many parallels) and she always seemed very serene to do nothing after so many years of doing everything. I often think that the world moved very fast around her, so being alone and quiet brought her comfort.

I'm intrigued by your story, as your writing is so heartfelt - your emotions are very evident and I have so much compassion for you, seeing it firsthand myself. I have so much respect for you - we need to remember that what we do now sets an example for others to follow. Life is sometimes not what you

I look forward to your next blog.

re: re: re: Wow
Leah
Saturday, June 21, 2008 at 09:21 AM

It sounds, Robin, as though your mother and i have lots in common. If I were to look for some benefit in having dementia, it would be that I, like your mother, is comfortable with less...fewer possessions, fewer duties, fewer distractions...and more...peaceful times, tranquility, serenity.

I, too, look forward to hearing from you in the future. Give my best to your mother and tell her she is not alone in her world...

Leah