Last week was a busy one.. the heat has hit Central Ohio full force and we have been sweltering! It took awhile, but it appears as though summer is here.
Monday (July 15) marked 7 months since my dear mom went to Heaven and I’ve been thinking about her so much. On Thursday, driving home from work, I had one of those moments where for a split second it didn’t seem possible that she’s really gone. Those tend to be followed by what feels like a very hard punch in the stomach… I wonder if that will go on forever…
One of the ladies at Eason House passed away suddenly last week. She was 93, but you would have never guessed it from looking at her! I always told her what beautiful skin she had and she would just beam and say, “I’m 90 years old, you know…” She will be missed, but it makes my heart smile to think of her now reunited with her beloved husband. I imagine Dr. E. was waiting at Heaven’s gates and greeted his wife with open arms…
Hospital Wristband Project
Monday’s Caregivers post was on Gary LeBlanc’s Alzheimer’s/Dementia Hospital Wristband Project. Gary is doing extraordinary work in Florida and provided an update toward the end of the week. Seems as though the pilot is a go for September 3rd and things are falling into place (with a ton of hard work, no doubt).
It is official. We have a starting date. Starting September 3rd, all dementia patients will have the Purple Angel Logo attached to their wristbands at Brooksville Regional Hospital. Training for all hospital staff in Dementia Care will be held in 8 sessions, 4 mornings and 4 evenings in order to cover all hospital personal staring around Aug. 18th. (Still fine tuning the training dates.) The training will be done by the Alzheimer’s Association Gulf Coast Chapter.
Keep up the fantastic work, Gary!
Life After Caregiving
Elaine Mansfield and Martha Stettinius were kind enough to allow me to interview them for Thursday’s Caregivers piece. I had been reflecting on how the past 9 years truly changed who I am and wanted to write about it. Having been caregivers themselves, Elaine and Martha provided insightful thoughts, discussing how their own journeys resulted in personal transformation.
Angel’s Perch
I did a post about the recently released movie Angel’s Perch on Alzheimers.net this week. This indie film sets aside the statistics we so commonly hear in favor of putting a face on the disease. Featuring the stunning backdrop and history of lovely Cass, West Virginia, it promises to have something for everyone.
I’m still hard at work promoting a Columbus screening, which is scheduled for 8/14 at the Easton AMC 30. The catch? We’re required to have 75 seats reserved for purchase by 8/7. We’re almost halfway there with about two weeks left to go. If you’re in the area and would like to join us for this special evening, please reserve your tickets today!
Until next time, here’s wishing everyone a peaceful week. Keep cool and carry on!
I stopped by Eason House yesterday for a visit. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to how quiet the place is without Mom there; two of the ladies were sleeping, another was resting in her chair, and the fourth disappeared to her room shortly after I arrived. My mom’s room still sits empty, and I’m not sure if that’s good or bad. It will definitely be strange to see someone else take that space, but maybe it will be a positive change – a sign that life carries on after loss.
Oh sweet mother of mine, I am very thankful to know that you are finally whole again, free from the fear, pain, and sadness that hideous disease caused you. You are now in a place far more perfect than any of us can even begin to imagine. And I know you remain with me in spirit. But, damn, do I miss you. I would give anything to hold your hand again…or hear you say “I love you” while wearing that sweet expression on your face. You know the one, right? When I close my eyes, I can still see that lovely image in my mind.
I’ll be thinking of you Sunday. I contemplated spending a couple of hours with the ladies at Eason House, but as the day draws nearer, I’m not sure I can do it. Not this year. Maybe next. I did send them each a Mother’s Day card, though. They won’t have a clue who “Ann” is, but hopefully, it’ll make them smile in the moment they open the envelopes. Boy, that place just isn’t the same without you…
I hope you, Aunt Shirley, Aunt Helen, and Grandma McCormick have a beautiful Mother’s Day – I smile to think of the four of you laughing together and enjoying a spread of food fit for an army! You might not remember this picture, but it was taken back when you were just starting to get sick… completely coincidental that the boa you’re wearing is purple… I adore this photo. It embodies your spirit so perfectly… I imagine this is just what you’ll look like on Sunday as you celebrate with three of your favorite ladies.
The Long and Winding Road... 