Happy Tuesday everyone! It sure is dreary here, but I guess it could be worse. Some unlucky people are still getting that 4-letter word *snow*.
I've not been around much for many reasons - one of which is my mother. She has Alzheimers and it has gotten worse lately. My dad still watches over her at home, but it is taking its toll on him. I'm spending as much time as I can with them. Many of us have been touched by this dreadful disease, and if you have, my heart goes out to you.
My dear old friend, Jopete, had a saying that I often repeat.... "Getting old is not for sissies". Truer words were never spoken.
Have a wonderful week and remember... "Wear a smile and have friends; wear a scowl and have wrinkles." - George Elio.
4 comments:
*whimpers* snoooooooooooowwww *pouting*
Yes alzheimers can be very trying for those doing the care giving. For many years my mom took care of her mother and twice a year one of the other siblings would go to Callifornia and give her a break. Mind you there are 6 other siblings.....*shakes head and just shups*. Anyhow, it got to my mom finally and she talked to the oldest brother who suggested to their mom (gramma) that maybe it was time to go into a home closer to him and a couple of the other brothers (they all live in Colorado). Gramma's old school and everytime mom suggested it, it was shot down. When the oldest brother suggested it however, she was fine with it (grampa passed many years ago thereby making this Uncle technically head of the family). Alzheimer's runs early in my family. Mom was showing signs as early as in her 40's (she's going to be 58 this yr) and each year it gets just a tad more difficult for her to remember certain things. Some of the memories of my bro and I growing up are already missing. Knowing that it hits early prompted me to start my blog and try to write as detailed as possible in it.
Hugs
Fortunately, no one in my family has, as far as I know, had Alzheimers. My Uncle Jim (the Army vet) may of had the early stage of it, but died before it became a problem.
I can empathize, however, and yes, Mr. Pete was totally correct about the "its hard to get old" bit.
For years my Mom's Mom was in an extended care facility. She suffered a number of strokes and the last one damaged her memory. She lived more than a dozen years after that, however, and my Mom visited her at the home every week. I went with her now and then and was frightened by what had happened to her. She smiled, cried, enjoyed eating, could walk slowly with a walker, and watched TV - all the signs of normalcy, but she didn't know who my mom or I was when we sat with her. Nor could she remember what she had for lunch or dinner that she ate just minutes before.
Before the stroke, she a nice, dear ol' lady that had a nice little doggy (whom I adopted when Grandfather passed away, since Grandmom couldn't take care of her anymore.) She enjoyed watching me and my brothers grow up always asking about what we were doing and poof.. in seconds, all that was gone and what was left - still brings great sadness (and fear) to me.
Hugs da Punkn (and Styxie) tight. I really hope this condition skips both of you and there is a cure before long.
Last night (4/9/2008) I was lucky to hear the very first live and on-line performance of Punkn's latest poem in song. I think it was titled "Momma".
It gave me goosebumps. It was a fine tribute indeed to her mother.
My uncle is currently battling Alzheimers. My aunt is taking care of him, and doing a fine job so far. They are both in their 80's, and all four children live close by. It's amazing how selective the brain is about what it will forget and remember. He can walk around the block and not get lost, but he doesn't remember how to shave his face. I know it will very difficult for all of them when he requires full time care.
My thoughts are with you and your family Punkn.
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