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The Long and Winding Road…

~ An Alzheimer's Journey and Beyond

The Long and Winding Road…

Tag Archives: remembering mom

Mom Day 2017

16 Saturday Dec 2017

Posted by Ann Napoletan in Face of Alzheimer's, Grieving, Holidays, Inspiration, Life After Caregiving, Mom, Ruminations, Saying Goodbye

≈ 10 Comments

Tags

alzheimers, dementia, grief and loss, grieving, holiday memories, mom day, remembering mom

Five years ago, today, my mom became whole again. She found peace after a long, valiant battle against Alzheimer’s. She gained her angel wings. December 15, 2012.

I try to take this day off every year. I prefer to spend it quietly, alone or with my daughter, allowing my mind to go where it will. If tears come, let them come; I really don’t want to be distracted by the minutia of the outside world, nor do I want to hide my emotions whatever they may be.

I started the day with a cup of hot coffee enhanced with a generous pour of Bailey’s – one of my mom’s favorite things!  I planned to spend the day baking as I often have on this day over the past five years. Some of my best, happiest (and earliest) memories are of December days spent baking Christmas cookies.

Mom loved to bake and when I was a child, the variety of beautiful cookies on her holiday trays was something to behold. Her cookies were part of the magic of Christmas. My love of baking is no doubt a result of those fond memories and of course, her influence. For years I’ve enjoyed recreating many of the recipes that have been handed down for generations, as well as adding some new ones.

I didn’t rush today. I didn’t get as much done as I had planned, but I really enjoyed the day. I listened to Christmas music, wrapped some presents, had lunch with Jess (sharing some laughs as we always do), and spent a good bit of time simply sitting with my thoughts. I cried and I smiled, thinking of years gone by, and tonight, I poured a glass of wine in her memory.

Another year has passed, and this year, I lost my dad as well. This will be my sixth Christmas without Mom and first without Dad. I’m sad, but there are also moments of peace in knowing they are with their beloved parents and others who have gone before them – the ones they loved so much. Most importantly, they are free of pain. And today, I felt both of them with me…

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Happy Birthday, Mom…

12 Monday Oct 2015

Posted by Ann Napoletan in Advocacy and Awareness, Grieving, Inspiration, Life After Caregiving, Mom, Ruminations, Smiles

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

#endalz, alzheimers, Alzheimers advocacy, alzheimers awareness, dementia, missing mom, moms birthday, non-profit announcement, remembering mom

October 12, 2015…your 79th birthday!

We will be celebrating you today… all day, from sun up to sun down.

Not a moment passes that I don’t miss you with all my heart. Still, it’s a relief to know you’re once again happy and whole – no longer in the cruel clutches of Alzheimer’s.

Today seems like the perfect day to announce that your legacy will continue to live on through a non-profit I’ll be launching soon. It’s an idea that has been rolling around in my head for too long, and it’s time to make it a reality.

There is much work to be done, but I know you’ll be with me every step of the way. Your presence will help guide the project as I begin to define our mission, develop strategies for fundraising, and determine where to direct those funds for maximum impact.

Until I draw my last breath, I’ll continue this fight.

Happy Birthday.

With all my love,
Ann

#EndAlz

 

 

 

 

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Mother’s Day Reflections: The Journey Continues

09 Saturday May 2015

Posted by Ann Napoletan in Grieving, Inspiration, Life After Caregiving, Mom, Mother's Day, Ruminations, Saying Goodbye, Smiles

≈ 2 Comments

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 →

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The Long and Winding Road

Between 2009 and 2015, Marilyn’s Mighty Memory Makers have raised over $22,000 in the fight to #ENDALZ! To all who have supported us, THANK YOU!!

Marilyn, BA (before Alzheimer's)

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