Category Archives: Ruminations

Thank you, Alzheimers.net!

28 Saturday Dec 2013

Posted by in Advocacy and Awareness, Alzheimers.net, Blogging, Helpful Resources, Ruminations

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best-alzheimers-blogs-2013What a pleasant surprise to learn that Alzheimers.net has included The Long and Winding Road among its five Best Alzheimer’s Blogs of 2013.

I’m honored to be included in the company of:

  • Bob DeMarco of the highly regarded Alzheimer’s Reading Room, a leading source of Alzheimer’s news with a knowledge base containing over 4,000 articles.
  • Lori LaBey of Alzheimer’s Speaks, recognized by Dr. Oz as the #1 online influencer for Alzheimer’s. Lori is also a sought after speaker and host of Alzheimer’s Speaks Radio.
  • The incomparable Norman McNamara, who is spearheading the movement for dementia-friendly communities worldwide and has had several face-to-face meetings with Prime Minister David Cameron who recently hosted the G8 Dementia Summit in London.
  • Rick Phelps and the fantastic folks at Memory People, offering the latest information as well as compassion, understanding, and real-time support for its nearly 5,000 members.

Thanks to these tireless advocates for their hard work and great example, and to Alzheimers.net for including The Long and Winding Road in their 2013 top 5!

Christmas Eve Past

24 Tuesday Dec 2013

Posted by in Grieving, Holidays, Mom, Ruminations, Smiles

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A year has passed, and the sharp, almost unbearable pain has settled into a dull ache. I miss you every single day.

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Christmas was always one of your favorite times of the year, and nothing will ever compare to our wonderful Christmas Eves on Sunbury Road.   Marilyn

The aroma of that delicious homemade sauce filling the air, wine flowing freely, enough food to feed an army, and so much love and laughter…

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Merry Christmas, Mom.

With all my love,
Ann

Believing in Angels

15 Sunday Dec 2013

Posted by in Grieving, Holidays, Life After Caregiving, Mom, Ruminations, Saying Goodbye

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December 14, 2013.  11:24pm.  A few minutes ago, I finished decorating the Christmas tree, turned out the lights, and sat down to enjoy it. The tears flowed easily as I gazed at all of the memories on that tree. As I was hanging ornaments, it struck me – I didn’t realize how many angels I had, but this year they seem to have taken on new meaning.

A year ago on this day, I knew we were nearing the end. Tonight I sit here looking at pictures, and it doesn’t seem possible that she’s even gone – let alone gone an entire year.

It was just after noon on December 15, 2012, that she went home.

What a dichotomy… the sorrow of missing her so much that it physically hurts, yet gratitude in knowing she’s no longer suffering. 

The thing about life, I guess, is that our faith is constantly tested. We are reminded by virtue of the word itself, faith – we’re asked to trust in the illogical and the uncertain. It’s one of the most difficult things of all, isn’t it? Believing what you can’t see or touch… trusting that a Higher Power has control of everything, even when we don’t…