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Dear Leah
WOW! Yes, you have lost something precious--but, you have the art of writing so clear, inviting that I felt I was right there next to you!
Honestly--you have such a gift--you pull your reader right into the story along with you. Oh, how I wish I had your ability to engage the reader. You are so good at short stories! [smile]
I will not say I understand how you feel--no one does--unless we face the same trial you have faced. I can imagine it must be tough for you not to bark at times. It must be frustrating that most of us do not comprehend all that you are going through in your life. Yet, no matter how hard we try...those of us who love you, cherish you...do not get it.
I am frustrated that my heart is in the right place, yet often I fail at supporting you.
Dear Cousin: Please don't give up on us. We want to try to understand you and your situation the best we can. Remember we love you...we want to be there for you; but, at times we simply do not know what to do or say other than we love you & support you!
Love you always, Connie Leigh
I appreciate the fact that you are trying to understand where I am in my world and yours. Each day is such a gift to me... Perhaps God is giving me the chance for a deeper understanding and appreciation for life by taking something very precious away...I really can't blame my condition on God, though. The mini-strokes I had were probably caused by the Atkins diet I went on...I liked the first two weeks, so I just kept doing them...increased my meats, increased my cholesterol...Bill and I are now undertaking a life change together: a lower carb/good carb way of eating. Not a diet. A new way of living. I know my future is full of good things to come...
Thank you, dear Coni, for your support.
Love, Leah
This is so fascinating. Thank you for sharing your experiences. I have worked with people with memory loss for so long, but have never heard it described as you have here. Kudos to you.
I create life history books for people, some of whom have memory loss, to help remind of the past positives. Visit me online, if you'd like. I'd love for you to post a comment if you'd like. There is so much to be learned from you!
www.explorebeautifullife.com
Hello,
I am a student at Georgia Perimeter college and was asked to write a research paper on any condition of my choosing and I chose Alzheimer's Disease. We were asked to include in the paper " a day in the life" of a person living with the condition, and I find your blog to really capture thougts, feelings, and events in a way that I can understand. Would you allow me to quote from this particular day from your blog? Thank you so much for your time,
Amanda
Hi, Amanda. June 23, 2009
You have permission to quote from my blog--not print it in its entirety. You do have to give correct credit to the site, though. You may not reprint it in its entirety. Please email me if you have any questions or want to communicate further:
leahtown@ comcast.net
I would like a copy of your paper, if you would be so kind, so that I can put it into my files.
Many thanks.
Leah
Hi Leah,
Thanks for sharing your life with us who do not have your perspective. I just started trying to care for my mother who has a serious case of dementia. I am struggling to figure out how to best help her and it "ain't easy", but your letters were encouraging and reminded me that my mother is trapped in a world of "torment". So, I will keep trying to be patient, keep trying to not give up, keep trying to find a key that will open one more door to give her some sort of peace if there is such a thing for the patient who has dementia.
Best Wishes
Gary
I'm sorry, Gary, that your mother is grappling with dementia. It is a very unkind disease, as you know. I know your mother would tell you she is so very grateful for your help and support--if she could tell you. I can only imagine that caregivers would love a word of encouragement and gratitude from their loved ones with dementia...and I can only say that the "thank you's" are locked deep inside and can't get out. Just know that they ARE there.
I would strongly urge you to read Carol Bursack's blog on ouralzheimers.com. She also has written some books which are excellent. I found a great place to buy books at a cheap price: amazon.com. I usually buy the used books, which can be very very cheap and have yet to be disappointed.
Thanks for writing back to me. I hope to hear comments on other of my posts.
God bless you. And, THANK YOU for taking such an interest in your mom!
Leah
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Hi Leah - good to hear from you and glad you are doing well.
I guess it is like a lot of thing sin life - move forward and don't look back with regret. You do have that in your favor, as you say. But it must be very frustrating and i imagine upsetting not to remember these things you talk about. They are the things most of us, and I suspect you at one point in your life, take for granted. Living life to the fullest is difference for everyone. Trying to achieve what set out to accomplish - that is a great endeavor - you are succeeding every day.
Take Care - Have a good week.
All the best, sue (moderator)
For information on the differences between Alzheimer's and dementia, read a post from our expert Dr. David Roeltgen.
All the best, sue (moderator)
Sometimes, living in the present isn't too bad...other times, when I can't follow along with the discussion because of my lack of memory, I feel very much isolated.
Thanks for responding and for your continued support.
Leah