2007 - A Good Year In Spite of Dementia

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

Monday, January 14, 2008
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With the new year approaching, I am being reflective. I don't know what 2008 will hold for me. This year, 2007, brought me dementia and time to get used to the diagnosis. The year 2007 started out innocently enough. I had signs of a problem: forgetfulness, inability to follow directions giv...

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Sue
Monday, January 14, 2008 at 09:04 PM

I would say that is quite the year. Come to mention it I had a hell of a 2007 myself, but ahh I digress.

It sounds like you really are taking the bull by the horns as they say. And of course you know as I that God never gives us more than we can handle in one day. I pray that you and your husband have lots of days together full of good and happy memories - he sounds like a good man (I have one of those too).

All the best, Sue (aka SMM)

re: Untitled Comment
Leah
Tuesday, January 15, 2008 at 11:26 AM

Yes, Sue, God has given each of the strength we need to face even life's worst times. And, if we are very lucky, we have a wonderful spouse or family to act as supporters. I look forward to an interesting year. I am already trying to push my limits...had a "dinner party" for six. Wow! If that wasn't a victory, I don't know what was! Thanks for your comments and support!
Leah

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Carla
Monday, January 14, 2008 at 09:45 PM
I admire you because you are not lettting dementia get the best of you. Keep looking up. Another way that you can help remember stuff is to get a PDA. They are very inexpensive and very easy to use. I have a Palm Z22 that I just love and it will beep when I have an appointment or put a task in that I want to remember. Here is the link for you to look at. http://www.palm.com/us/products/handhelds/z22/index.html

re: Untitled Comment
Leah
Tuesday, January 15, 2008 at 11:32 AM

You are so right, Carla, about the importance of a PDA. I do have one and use it all the time. Sometimes I "lose" it...so have also started putting duplicate info into a calendar which I never take far from my purse. I would caution any readers to get a PDA which retains its memory even when it loses its charge...my old PDA would lose all the info if I let it run down. Another valuable tool is a personal sized recorder. I use that at the doctor's. Unfortunately, I use it so seldom that I forget how it works...Oh, well. I'm still working on that! I appreciate hearing from you and your recommendations. Have any ideas, just let me know!
Leah

A good year
Leah
Tuesday, January 15, 2008 at 04:03 PM
Yes, I am sure you will have a very good year.

A good year, 2.
Leah
Tuesday, January 15, 2008 at 04:04 PM
Please disregard the former comment. I was showing my granddaughter how to make a comment to my blog....sorry!

Untitled Comment
Jack Townshend
Tuesday, January 15, 2008 at 09:30 PM

Hi Leah,

Thanks for sharing, "2007 - A Good Year In Spite of Dementia". Having been married to and sharing life with a wonderful soul for 55 years, who has been a brittle diabetic for 50 years and experiencing dementia for the past two years I certainly can relate to your's and Bill's experience. Let me encourage you and Bill to continue what you are doing and remember to and to:

"TREASURE EVERY MOMENT YOU HAVE, KNOWING THAT, YESTERDAY IS HISTORY, TOMORROW IS MYSTERY, TODAY THE PRESENT MOMENT IS A PRECIOUS GIFT AND THE ONLY REAL MOMENT YOU HAVE, SEIZE IT, CHERISH IT, USE IT WISELY, ENJOY IT, AND SHARE IT WITH OTHERS IN YOUR JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE."

And I suggest that you:

"Have no expectations but abundant expectancy. Having great expectancy opens you to unlimited possibilities. Expectations can limit creativity. Expectancy provides opportunities for creativity, relaxation, harmony and patience. Expectations can establish a condition for stress, tension and failure. Expectations may have limitations that restrict reaching full potential. Expectancy will give serendipity a better opportunity to be experienced in your life."

I think about you often and remember you in my prayers every day.

Peace, love and blessings,

Jack, aka "Uncle Jack"

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2007 - A Good Year In Spite of Dementia
Coni Townshend Halko
Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at 07:34 AM

Dear Cousin: You know you are one of my favorite people in the world...smile, wink ...I am so very proud of you!
Why? You face life head on--You tackle this dread disease with courage, wit, much love and appreciation for those who care about you!
Most of all--you do NOT want sympathy--I so admire the fact that you simply hope that those of us who love you will:
1. Accept the fact you have this illness
2. Treat you with love and respect
3. Be supportive of what you are trying to do
4. Let you know that we care...and that we are there for you when needed!

WOW! I am constantly in AWE of you... your refusal to accept pity!

I am also so very proud of your sister--who has been there for you!
I bet she would love to nothing better than to have You two buy a home right down the street from her--so she could spend quality time with you on a daily basis--and be close by when/if you needed her.

Dear Leah - You are blessed to have so MANY family and friends who adore you! Dana, Alex, & others may be having a tough time dealing with this disease because they cannot imagine a world without you giving constant love, and support--as you have always done for us all!