Ah, it feels good to stop for a bit and just sit back and breathe. The past couple of weeks have been emotional. I’ve made some difficult decisions, felt some great triumphs, sobbed uncontrollably, and felt overwhelmed with joy. Wow, talk about a mixed bag. No wonder I’m tired! (((smile)))
Another Milestone
Yesterday marked the 8-month anniversary of Mom’s passing. Truthfully, I can’t believe it’s August, and I really can’t wrap my head around the fact that she’s been gone eight months. How can that be? It was just about a year ago that Rodney came to Eason House and sang that beautiful song to her… one of my favorite memories. So bittersweet.
It was the end of August last year when things started to decline rapidly. A year ago. Four months later, she was gone. The other night, I wrote a piece titled, And in the Final Analysis, for Caregivers. I struggled with it initially, and then the words flowed easily and freely, like clear crisp water trickling down a gentle stream … It took me to some places I hadn’t been since those absolutely dreadful last three weeks of her life. Ultimately, I think it speaks to where I am right now – in my head and in life.
A Change in Direction
And that brings me to a decision I made a week or so ago. I’ve been writing for A Place for Mom for a year now, and have enjoyed every second of it. The team out in Seattle has embraced me as part of their group and I’ve learned so much and grown a great deal as a writer. Perhaps most importantly, those same folks I’m pleased to call my friends have given me the confidence to go forward and continue reaching out to others through my writing. It’s without question one of the most fulfilling things I’ve ever done.
But, all of that said, I’ve decided to step back and slow things down a bit. Yesterday’s Caregivers post was my last as a contract blogger for APFM. I hope to contribute as a guest from time to time, but I’m going to focus my attention on redesigning this blog and making it what I know it can be – a comfortable, compassionate place where families traveling this Alzheimer’s/dementia journey can come for support, solace, and information from someone who has been there.
A Note of Appreciation
So… all of that said, I hope you will continue to follow me here on The Long and Winding Road and spread the word to others who may be interested. In return, I will do my best to provide insightful posts from the heart, as well as the latest news, links to other valuable resources, and much more.
As I mentioned, I also hope to do some guest posts for APFM and others, so I’ll keep you “posted” (no pun intended) on that. In the meantime, I sincerely thank everyone who has taken the time to read my writing, whether here or over at Caregivers or ALZ.net. Being able to connect with other caregivers and family members has helped me through what has been a very difficult year. And just the fact that you care enough to keep coming back is beyond humbling…
Having spent the last two days in bed slathered with Vicks and sleeping in a Nyquil-induced haze, I’m starting to feel human again. What a miserable couple of days it’s been.
On Thursday, I discussed the challenges of parenting your parent, providing tips on navigating the often rough and uncertain waters that come along with life’s ultimate role reversal. It’s not easy, but the sooner you begin to face the issues head on, the better. Preparation is so important. Read more in 
This week, NPR featured an enlightening and very relevant segment on 
The Long and Winding Road... 