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Thursday, June 22, 2017
One of Life's Little Surprises
Lately, I've become concerned about my increasing forgetfulness. I find myself searching online for cures and fixes. Articles on Alzheimer's and dementia are also of particular interest.
While on Kay's Musings blog about a week ago, a post on her "My Blogging Family" portion of the sidebar caught my eye. The blog is called One of Life's Little Surprises and the post was called "He looks so normal!"
The author's name is Carole. Her husband, Jim, is about Wendell's age and is already in Stage 6 (severe) of Alzheimer's seven stages. Carole's main focus at this point is Jim's comfort and piece of mind.
"Minimizing outside stimuli, waiting for a quiet moment, and keeping my words short, to the point and without a lot of detail seem to work the best for Jim. A soft loving voice and a gentle touch or kiss all go a long way in helping Jim to feel more secure in his environment."
Carole's frank narrative drew me into her life. Her words are descriptive, informative and . . . yes . . . sad.
Working my way backwards, I read every single one of her posts.
I admire and appreciate Carole's willingness to share her and Jim's story. I hope that doing so brings her some level of comfort. I wish them both well on this their most difficult of journeys.
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17 comments:
oooohhhh myyyy I should start reading her blog too...you know me, Alzheimer Annie!!
Oh, so sad, yet so admirable, yeah? So many people now have Alzheimers or dementia - there is something that is causing it, our diet? lifestyle? cell phones? water? prescription meds? what?
I see too many of my friends who have to deal with their aging parents with dementia and I don't want to be that kind of parent for my kids when I am older. I eat unhealthy stuff. I hardly exercise. I am at high risk but I will fight it if I start losing it.
One thing that I cannot accept is when the doctors and "experts" say that there is no cure, no possible reversal, no hope. That is just their opinion but they make it a universal truth. The truth is that they have given up on their patients because they don't know what else to do and they can't admit not being right.
I believe in miracles. I also believe that we need to find our own answers. Blessings and all the best to you, Jalna. Aja aja! (Fighting, in Korean drama talk.)
After being concerned about my forgetfulness, I asked my Dr. about it. He asked me a few questions, which I passed, and said I was okay. But I still wonder. I've heard about people who get dementia soon after they retire. It makes me afraid to retire. Thank you for sharing Carole's blog. I read some of it and printed some of the posts for my husband who cares for his mother. It is very difficult and so sad to care for a loved one with dementia. I have a great deal of respect for caregivers. The ones who help with my mother-in-law are lifesavers and we couldn't go through this without them. ~e
gonna check out that blog...thanks for sharing.
LOL, Les.
Me too, Aunty. I should take better care of myself. Thanks for the "aja aja!".
E, so sorry to hear about your mother-in-law. Glad that there are people who are helping you.
Welcome, Kat.
thanks for sharing your thoughts. I have similar feelings too. It's even more important to realize the GIFT of life that we have and to cherish it. My father lived to 95yrs, his mind was sharp to the end. My observation, he always was willing to learn new things to keep his mind engaged. He learn the computer after he retired, playing the ukulele. I don't have the patience, auwe.
I immediately started balling when I read her bio.
I no more patience too, Chet. I'm glad that you have genetics on your side.
Myko, my heart goes out to Carole as well.
Have you consulted a doctor...same for your back?
Since you have the opportunity to seek help,it may help you down the road.
Whats you moms situation?
Hi Jalna. Just found your blog. Thanks so much for your kind words. I continue to be touched by the kindness of so many in the blogosphere. I'm grateful for the support that others send my way.
Anon, my doc thinks I'm doing fine. My mom is 83 years old and is still pretty sharp.
Hi Carole! Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. Please know that I admire you for everything you're doing for Jim, and I wish you all the best in the days ahead.
I have the BEST bloggers in my Blog Family list. I'm always so impressed with how Carole is coping so lovingly with Jim. It's not easy.
Kay, I wish I was as patient and kind as Carole.
Hi Jalna. My mom has Alzheimer's, and I was in so much denial that it took me a long time to even utter those words. In talking to her neurologist, he tells me that it's not a hereditary thing. So, there's hope for me if I continue to exercise (most important!), keep my mind active by learning new things, and keep having social interactions. People meet their demise when they sit at home all day in front of the tv. I so enjoy your blog and hope you never stop! I always look forward to your posts and find we have a lot in common, even down to the MAC eyeliner we wear! Heehee! So please keep going because a lot of us may not comment often, but we're out here reading daily!
Hey Nancy! So sorry to hear about your mom's condition. I hope the road ahead will not be too difficult for you. Thank you so much for your encouraging words. Gives me incentive to keep on posting!
I read her blog from beginning to end. It's really heartbreaking. I put Carole and Jim on my prayer list.
Awwww, thank you, Susan.
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