“Sweetie, Sweetie, Sweetie,” she said. Three times in a row. “My Sweetie.” Her eyes lit up and a smile crept up her cheeks. Her hands reached for him. His eyes filled with tears, as he reached back, “I love you so much,” he choked out. She leaned forward, lips puckered, reaching for a kiss. He … Continue reading Sweetie
Our Dementia Journey
Sister Tattoos
When my sister, Melinda turned 50, she ran a half marathon. She has a thing for marking milestones and she’s good at it. I have no doubt now, five years later, she could have run another half or even a whole one, but she picked something different this year. She decided to get her first … Continue reading Sister Tattoos
Glorious Day
Grieving a person who is still alive is difficult. My heart is a puzzle and Mom is a piece. Without her the whole thing threatens to fall apart, yet she is still here. Her piece of my puzzle isn’t gone, it gradually fades creating a transparent hole. The hole gets bigger each time I want … Continue reading Glorious Day
Cranberry Sauce
Sometimes grief comes galloping into the heart like a battering ram at the front door, forcing its way inside. Other times grief sneaks in the back door, like a thief, and makes its way to the table. On big days, such as Thanksgiving, the heart knows to guard the front door. All the memories come … Continue reading Cranberry Sauce
A Great Love
Today, we moved Mom to her new room. It went as good as these things can go. When we told her she was moving she said, “okay.” And that was that. We were not allowed to go into the unit or arrange her things, but one of her caregivers was. They came for her belongings … Continue reading A Great Love
Reunited
After months of being separated and trying to access how Mom is doing via phone calls and zoom, we have finally been reunited! Hurray! We were allowed back in to see Mom and Dad last week and it was like water to our souls. Just all being in the same room brought the comfort of … Continue reading Reunited
Dementia Doesn’t Shelter-in-Place
Dementia doesn’t shelter-in-place. There is no pause. There is no waiting. It rolls relentlessly on, continuing its forward movement. It continues to take away Mom’s ability to communicate. Words are fewer and farther between. It continues to take away her mobility. Steps are slower and slower. Its newest take away is her ability to swallow. … Continue reading Dementia Doesn’t Shelter-in-Place
Dear Healthcare Provider (Guest Blog)
Recently, I wrote a blog about Mom's hospital stay. I wrote it from the perspective of a family caregiver and addressed it directly to the hospital. Now my sister Melinda, a nurse practitioner, has written a guest blog from the perspective of a healthcare provider to Healthcare Provider. She makes important points for all those … Continue reading Dear Healthcare Provider (Guest Blog)
Dear Hospital
Dear Hospital, You were created as a place of healing. You exist with a mandate to preserve life. Those who work within your walls are compassionate and desire to help others in the direst of circumstances. They bring health, comfort, and relief to the suffering who have been brought to you for assistance. It is … Continue reading Dear Hospital
A Solitary Path
Caregiving is a solitary path. Watching Dad take care of Mom and even helping him, I can see the toll it takes. She is dependent upon him. We went to a concert together and I saw her needing him. I was right there, but I am not Dad. She seemed to forget how to get … Continue reading A Solitary Path
