25 Thursday Jun 2015
Posted in Face of Alzheimer's, Grieving, Smiles
Happy 30th Birthday to the most wonderful daughter a mother could ask for. I so wish my mom was here to celebrate with us, but her spirit is most definitely present. Jess was the apple of Mom’s eye from the moment she entered this world on June 25, 1985 ….they had such a special bond. Milestones like this ~ bittersweet to be sure…
04 Thursday Jun 2015
Posted in Face of Alzheimer's, Inspiration, Life After Caregiving, Ruminations, Smiles, Volunteering
Your hollow expression was the first thing I saw as I returned from a walk with one of your neighbors. Seeing you alone in your wheelchair, eyes slightly downward in a vacant stare, I wondered if you might enjoy some company. Still, I was unsure of how my advance would be received.
Just then, you looked up at me and my doubts disappeared. Those vacant eyes were suddenly alive and sparkling with joy, as a wide smile completed the picture. Just like that, you were fully present and engaged, holding out both hands as you greeted me, “Hello beautiful!” Continue reading
09 Saturday May 2015
Posted in Grieving, Inspiration, Life After Caregiving, Mom, Mother's Day, Ruminations, Saying Goodbye, Smiles
Tags
alzheimers, alzheimers grief, life after alzheimers, mothers day, mothers legacy, remembering mom
I kept very busy this week – the week before Mother’s Day. There’s no avoiding it – Mother’s Day is everywhere! However, by maintaining a packed schedule and having a few Alzheimer’s projects to focus on, I was able to stay out of my head.
It helps to recognize the problem; for me, too much thinking is never a good thing. Thinking about projects or work or writing is different – I’m referring to “idle thinking.” Like clockwork, without something to keep my mind busy, it wanders off to unpleasant places and takes up residence. It’s a very slippery slope. Continue reading
The Long and Winding Road... 