• Home
  • Helpful Resources
  • Reading List
  • Recommended Blogs
  • Marilyn’s Legacy: A World Without Alzheimer’s
  • About Me
  • Contact Me

The Long and Winding Road…

~ An Alzheimer's Journey and Beyond

The Long and Winding Road…

Author Archives: Ann Napoletan

One day, one moment, at a time…

12 Wednesday Sep 2012

Posted by Ann Napoletan in Mom, Ruminations

≈ 2 Comments

Again, not much to report today. There were quiet, peaceful moments; there were moments of screaming. You don’t know what you will have from one moment to the next. When I got there after work, Mom was laying with her head on Renee’s lap, sound asleep. She sat straight up a couple of times, took a look around, then went right back to sleep. She looked comfortable and content, which certainly beats the alternative.

The girls did say she was more active today; up and walking more than she has been. But, the food (or lack of) situation remains the same. Today, just one Ensure (8 oz) and 2 or 3 crackers. The VPA doc was there for his monthly visit and said this is normal; that at this stage, food no longer tastes good, which explains the scrunched up grimace she gets on her face when she takes the tiniest bite of anything. He said the sweeter the food, the more likely they are to taste and enjoy it. But, hell, she even spit out apple pie the other day…

At this point, to be quite honest, I don’t even know what I feel anymore… I find myself beginning to have hope, then realize – hope for what? For her to be back the way she was ten days ago? I’m starting to feel like this disease has me trapped in a giant unescapable mind game that becomes increasingly complex and confusing each day.

Dealing with ALZ will wreak havoc on a person who likes to have things nice and orderly, and most importantly, planned and scheduled. If nothing else, it has taught me that we have no choice but to take things one day, one moment, at a time.

One day at a time–this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past for it is gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful it will be worth remembering.  ~Author Unknown

Share this:

  • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
Like Loading...

Not much to report…

11 Tuesday Sep 2012

Posted by Ann Napoletan in Mom

≈ 3 Comments

When I got there after work, Mom was sleeping. She opened her eyes long enough to take a sip of juice and give me a smile, and then she was sound asleep again. She had a busy day with a visit from one of her former co-workers who is a dear friend, and then from Jess & Brandon. Still subsisting on Ensure, give or take a couple of bites of banana, but at least it’s nutrition. And, she did enjoy Baby Nico again for awhile this afternoon.

For some reason, I’ve been teary all day today. Nothing in particular, just all of it, I suppose. And when the floodgates open, look out. I’m so thankful that I work with an understanding, compassionate group of people.

So, I’m having a glass of wine with some nice, sharp Parmigiano-Reggiano, and I can feel the edge coming off a bit. When I got to Eason House, Susie had saved a plate for me, and considering I was planning on my old standby (cereal), I didn’t turn it down. Actually, it tasted delicious.

Tomorrow, the VPA physician will be at the house for his regular monthly visit, so it will be interesting to see what he has to say, if anything. I talked to him last week, and to say I wasn’t impressed with his bedside manner would be an understatement. When a doctor – or anyone for that matter – says to an ALZ family, “Well, this is just how the disease goes…,” I would like to respond, “Oh really? Hm, I had no effing idea…” Speaking of compassion, some of these medical professionals could use a little, too…

Share this:

  • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
Like Loading...

Gratitude

11 Tuesday Sep 2012

Posted by Ann Napoletan in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

I’ve received so many emails, text messages, phone calls, and offers of help in the past week, and I can’t thank everyone enough. It means the world to know that my mom is loved and is in so many people’s thoughts & prayers. I really can’t express how appreciative Jess and I are for the love & support.

Share this:

  • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
Like Loading...
← Older posts
Newer posts →
© Copyright 2025
All Rights Reserved
The Long and Winding Road

Marilyn, BA (before Alzheimer's)

Contributor

Contributor

Recent Posts

  • The Latest Alzheimer’s Research Developments
  • National Caregivers’ Day: February 21, 2025
  • June 7, 2021: A Historic Day
  • UsAgainstAlzheimer’s National Alzheimer’s Summit: Don’t Miss It!
  • Happy 84th Birthday, Mom.

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 443 other subscribers

Archives

Blog Directory & Business Pages at OnToplist.com

Blog Stats

  • 150,116 hits

Meta

  • Create account
  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.com
stats for wordpress

Categories

Popular Posts

  • About Me
  • Thank you!
  • A Special Bond
  • Monday ... on Caregivers
  • Telling the Story
  • Hiding In the Canned Goods Aisle...and Other Stuff
  • Walking a mile in his shoes...
  • CGSN: Focus on YOU!
  • Look for me on VoiceQuilt!
  • Caregiving: Imperfections, Weaknesses, Acceptance, and Forgiveness

Recent Comments

  • Motherhood: Lost and Found, a Memoir of a Mother’s Alzheimer’s | The Long and Winding Road… (alzjourney.com) | Ann Campanella on Motherhood: Lost and Found, a Memoir of a Mother’s Alzheimer’s
  • Betty Trimble on Film Review: Angel’s Perch
  • Carol on Caregiver PTSD: Fact or Fiction?
  • (3) Ritamae Reichardt on When Caring Takes Courage: A MUST HAVE Caregiving Guide
  • Mary Jo George on June 7, 2021: A Historic Day

Pages

  • 2013-2014 News Archive
  • Helpful Resources
  • Latest News & Events
  • Postmaster General Letter – Alzheimer’s Semipostal
  • R E S I S T Resources
  • Reading List
  • Recommended Blogs
  • About Me
  • Contact Me
Coming Soon!
Marilyn's Legacy: A World Without Alzheimer's, Inc.
Stay tuned!!

Blog at WordPress.com.

  • Subscribe Subscribed
    • The Long and Winding Road...
    • Join 443 other subscribers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • The Long and Winding Road...
    • Subscribe Subscribed
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...
 

    %d