31 Tuesday Jul 2012
Makes me smile….
26 Thursday Jul 2012
Posted in Inspiration, Mom, Smiles, Support system
Let’s face it, everyone has “stuff.” Whether it’s ALZ or some other chronic illness, kid issues, financial hardship, or whatever, we are all dealing with the challenges life throws at us. It’s true; life isn’t always what we bargained for, but if you have a strong support system, you can make it through anything.
This past weekend, I was reminded of how fortunate Jess and I are to have such beautifully caring, supportive friends. Walter Winchell wisely said, “a real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out,” and it’s so true. It’s easy to be there for someone during the happy times, but not quite as much fun when things aren’t all sunshine and roses.
It’s the people who don’t run when times get tough – those are your true friends. They stand right beside you every step of the way, grounding you, reminding you that you aren’t alone, and helping you see that you’re strong enough to get through anything, but it’s okay to have moments of weakness.
The photos below were taken at Eason House last weekend when my oldest and dearest friend, Debby, came to visit and take video of Rodney’s special song for my mom. When we were in high school, she practically lived at our house, and my mom thought of her as a second daughter.
One of the most memorable of our escapades was the time Debby got into a spat with her parents, packed up all of her dresser drawers (literally), and moved (with the drawers) into our small apartment! That was just one of our many exploits, and here we are 30 years later, still the best of friends…through thick and thin, the good, the bad, and even the ugly.
18 Wednesday Jul 2012
Posted in Helpful Resources, Music and Art, Smiles
One good thing about music. When it hits you, you feel no pain.
~Bob Marley
Oh, but there are SO many good things about music. Have you ever been having a lousy day when all of the sudden you hear a favorite song, and the music transcends all of the negative feelings that have been plaguing you. Before you know it, you’re smiling – on both the outside and the inside. How about that song that brings back memories so vivid, it’s as if you’re reliving a special moment each time you hear it? If music can effect an ordinary person in such an extraordinary way, imagine what it might do for Alzheimer’s patients…
I’ve heard stories of people that have been completely non-verbal for years, yet when an old favorite song is played for them, they sing along – word for word, without missing a beat. Music’s power is nothing short of magical!
I just ran across this great article about a couple in Arizona helping Alzheimer’s patients through their Love Music Revival. It’s funny, because some of our best times at Outlook Manor were on the nights when they had musical entertainment. One evening in particular stands out – the “feature act” was Elvis, and the residents loved it! To many of those folks, lacking a sense of time, it may as well have been 1956 and they may as well have been in the audience of that oh-so-famous Ed Sullivan Show. The fact that this was an impersonator was lost on them, and what a blessing that was!
This weekend, we have a very special surprise planned for my mom and the other ladies at Eason House, and I absolutely cannot wait. Stay tuned for more – it promises to be memorable. In the meantime, check out the Alzheimer’s Association blog for more wonderful information about music therapy!
One of the residents swooning over Elvis… priceless!
The Long and Winding Road... 