My (Emotional) Response to Away From Her

I appreciate your kudos.  Some days it's easier to challenge myself than others...I guess I'm no different than anyone else in that regard!

Thanks for your continuing support.

Leah

Away From Her was difficult for me as an educator to watch.   I had NOT seen in my 10 years a spouse not recognize their loved one.  Ouch!  I cried in pain for his heartache. 

My very first Alz patient taught me some great stuff.  He kept a notebook:

First he wrote  what he called "Boblets".  (His name was Bob)  These were little life philosophies and/or saying he always made.  Then he documented his life story for his children and/or grandchildren and copied it for each of them.  This helped be a tool for their communication as he declined and a memory of him long after he was gone.  I thought this was an awesome concept -- one the Alz Assoc recommended.  Yet he took the time to do the book before he lost all his memory.  Also, he kept a journal which helped him ease his own frustration as the disease progressed.  

A true life experience that happened with one of my clients was while in a SNF, another dementia patient of the same sex fondled them.  Because it was a quality place they communicated it to the family.  (The honorable thing to do.)  Likewise they separated the two as at that stage of the disease they were both unable to consent.  

The realities of this disease are uncomfortable to say the least but like in real life -- stuff happens. As in the movie, regardless of how wonderful the environment, the care, the attention and the love, stuff happens.  Guess that's when we have to trust a power much greater than us.

You are so right, Eone, that we must trust in a higher power.  Every day I thank God for all I have been given.  The good is easy to be thankful for.  But even the bad is necessary to teach us, to help us grow. I believe my dementia has changed me from my old self...one which was full of confidence, intelligence, and ability.  But my new self with dementia is not so bad.  I think I laugh more often.  I enjoy so much more in life.  I appreciate all that I can do--even if I do bemoan my limitations at times.

Thank you for your response.  Your examples were of great interest to me.  I think I may start writing about my life...

God bless you.

Leah