Lynne’s boys credit her for their honesty and love for each other. They brought flowers & a card and cared for her on a hard birthday. Few 25-year-old men care so deeply for their mother with Alzheimer’s. They graced her with the love she taught them.
#alzauthors#endAlz#caregiver Tags: alzheimer’s caregiving
Lynne’s brother and Dad remembered when Lynne danced to Dance Like an Egyptian. Keith’s wife Sheri played the music and Keith and Dad danced while Lynne laughed.
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Lynne walks head down now. Hair covered up her eyes. It frustrated her, us. She took off headbands. Too much hair for scrunchies. Booked a haircut. Thankfully a caregiver tied it in a wrap. Happy now as she waits to use her straw for a new drink. Dad’s handicapped caring for his motherless child.
#alzauthors#endAlz#caregiver Tags: Alzheimer’s caregiving haircare dementia
Lynne leaned on a railing, unresponsive. Caregiver, folding napkins, “She was walking at 2 PM.” Sat us down with juice & straw. Lynne sucked it up in 1 gulp, 2nd one in 2 gulps. Lynne alert, “Don’t go.” It took both of us. Disappointed in both of us. #alzauthors#endAlz#caregiver# Tags: Alzheimer’s caregiving
Seeing Lynne in her final stage is painful at times. What helps is other caregivers caring for me. Patricia, a classmate and educator, posted this statement to me, “You raised a spectacular woman. Lynne was a fantastic educator and all-around human.” #alzauthors#endAlz#caregiver
Lynne studied my wedding photo the 29th. She had adored it countless times. I said, “I miss mom.” She teared up, sorrowful, “I miss Mom.’” We repeated it. I said, “She loved you so much.” She heard it. Alzheimer’s caregiving includes sharing sorrow.
Lynne’s mom and I married 11/29/63. After Lynne’s diagnosis they loved, disagreed, & agreed daily. Mom’s hospice was moved to Lynne’s facility to be with Lynne. Seeing us together, Mom said, “I am seeing a miracle” Lynne still says, “I miss my mom.” #alzauthors#endAlz#caregiver
Lynne loved visiting my mom for hours and hours in Mom’s early Alzheimer’s. Lynne set a goal to be as happy as Mom for my sake. Mom was retired. Lynne lost her sons’ futures, friends and a career. Happy led to failure. I regret not helping her understand that #alzauthors#endAlz
Mom lived alone before cell phones. My nephews, 8 & 10, loved to sleep over. She left them at a movie and forgot them. They walked 2-3 miles to knock on her door. She said, “How nice of you to surprise your grandma” My brother never alerted our family. I think he thought it was normal senility. We had the same thought when she was visiting us: “Probably senility. #alzauthors#endAlz