We play a game where I lay out photos of all the important people in her life, children, in-laws, grandkids, caretakers, and we sort them into piles. Who lives in Santa Barbara? Who likes to paint? Who speaks French? Who speaks Spanish? Who's in college? Who is a teacher? Find the photo of your grandchildren. Find the photo of your three children.
It's odd what sticks and what doesn't, but we go over it, day after day.
Today, she saw my photo and said, "This is Marilyn. She takes such good care of me." I was sitting right there, but it was like overhearing someone talking about me behind my back. It is and will always be the best compliment that I have ever had in my life.
My brother and sister also lift heaven and earth to take care of our mom. Our kid take her dinner over every night and eats with her and makes sure she gets her meds. He is a hero.
I haven't had much time to toymaking or art. But for now this is my world,
"Take your time."
"Watch your step."
"No worries"
"I'm glad that you're here."
"Today is a free day."
"Take your time."
"Watch your step."
"No worries"
"I'm glad that you're here."
"Today is a free day."
"Take your time."
"Watch your step."
"No worries"
"I'm glad that you're here."
"Today is a free day."
"Take your time."
You are a hero :)
ReplyDeleteYour lovely website was a lifeline when I was caring for my Mum who had Alzheimer's so I send the gift of love and patience to accompany you all on this new journey.
ReplyDeleteThank you. <3
DeleteI very much enjoyed reading your post with photo. I wish I had done home work questions with Mother every day after she was diagnosed. Instead we sat and listened to her favorite music, sang together and hugged a lot.
ReplyDeleteYou are being a wonderful caring daughter and I am so glad your Mum is able to recognise that. Alzheimer's is a devastating illness, thanks for sharing. Really enjoy your posts, they are so uplifting and inspiring. Jenni (Australia)
ReplyDeleteYour mother, and you, are so blessed to have each other. It's beautiful, too, that the other family members are a part of her life, too. I can only hope for that in my old age.
ReplyDeleteYour mother obviously did an awesome job with you, and, then, you, with yours. The circle of life at it's finest.
Blessings, my dear!
Su
Great idea - I think I'm going to take some pictures of my husband filling the bird feeder and some of me doing misc. things for my mom that she questions each day (over & over).
ReplyDeleteThis is such a beautiful post, Marilyn. So much love here, and so much for you!
ReplyDeleteIt is important to keep visual reminders for her everything - from her schedule to how she does things - one step at a time... I use a visual software called Boardmaker and when I type an icon appears above the word... it is much easier for the brain to process the picture than the word as things progress..... I do this for my so who has autism - research shows that autism is much like a cousin to Alzheimers (advanced) - try to keep her to a visual schedule - where she might use a velcro board to take things off as she completes them or place an "x" over it with a marker when it is completed (you could laminate and use a wipe off marker) - I have all sorts of tricks up my sleeve - been doing it for 23 years.... let me know if I can help make you anything that might help... xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
ReplyDeleteThank you, DannyLions. <3 This is great advice. Keeping to a schedule is key. Warm hugs, Marilyn
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