To say that no two cases of Alzheimer's are alike would be an understatement.
My dad had it. My mom has it.
Dad progressed so quickly. Looking back I don't even know if his was actual Alzheimer's disease. His sister had it also - she was more like mom.
Mom had two sisters with it - both so different from mom. Sweet Aunt Evie - stayed so sweet and loving. She would put on her lipstick and perfume every day for Uncle Estle. Ever proper Aunt Bobbie - I wasn't around her as much....but I think she was about the same as Aunt Evie.
I don't understand the disease. I just have to learn to adapt to the things that happen because of it. And love mom through it all. God gives me energy and strength every step of the way. Gives me grace when I don't deserve it - rest when I need it the most.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
MOM AND WATERMELON
She had first watermelon of the season last night. Loved loved it!
She ate one quarter - and this was after eating a hamburger, baked beans and chips. And after our walk.
She did tell me - that I need a bigger garden. I don't have a garden - I bought the thing at Walmart.
She ate one quarter - and this was after eating a hamburger, baked beans and chips. And after our walk.
She did tell me - that I need a bigger garden. I don't have a garden - I bought the thing at Walmart.
MOM AND HER PURSE
Where she goes, her purse goes also. Bathroom, living room to kitchen and back again, it goes with her.
She has her important "stuff " in there. Clippers, 3 brushes, eye glass cases, birthday cards, Christmas cards, lipstick, eyebrow pencil, tape, and her wallet.
The zipper on her black purse broke. Lord help us all. I remember she had another purse in a closet. So I go get it - make a big deal about it - she switches. The fun begins. It has two zippers - not one "Why do I need two zippers? My other one only had one." She asks. I tell her '"because she has two compartments - so she has more room." It only has one strap not two - "My other one had two straps not one." "Because this one is a shoulder bag not one you carry" - I respond.
"Why does this one have stripes, my other one did not." "Because they are made completely different."
For about 30 minutes she pointed out each difference. She carries it funny not on her shoulder. I am thinking I will be getting her one with two straps this weekend.
She has her important "stuff " in there. Clippers, 3 brushes, eye glass cases, birthday cards, Christmas cards, lipstick, eyebrow pencil, tape, and her wallet.
The zipper on her black purse broke. Lord help us all. I remember she had another purse in a closet. So I go get it - make a big deal about it - she switches. The fun begins. It has two zippers - not one "Why do I need two zippers? My other one only had one." She asks. I tell her '"because she has two compartments - so she has more room." It only has one strap not two - "My other one had two straps not one." "Because this one is a shoulder bag not one you carry" - I respond.
"Why does this one have stripes, my other one did not." "Because they are made completely different."
For about 30 minutes she pointed out each difference. She carries it funny not on her shoulder. I am thinking I will be getting her one with two straps this weekend.
MOM AND HER SWEATER
Mom constantly wears a wool sweater. It can be 100 degrees outside - with heat index of 120.
Last night she was in good spirits - she had an awesome day so I ask her if she wants to go walk around the block - she was so excited - so we did. It had been 97 all day. She had on her wool sweater. I said "mom you may want to take it off, you are going to get too hot..." She said "Becky I am freezing - I am wearing the sweater."
Alrighty then.
We start walking.
She then says....."Good Lord Becky you should have told me it was so hot....now I have to carry this sweater." (She won't allow me to carry it)
Ha ha ha
Last night she was in good spirits - she had an awesome day so I ask her if she wants to go walk around the block - she was so excited - so we did. It had been 97 all day. She had on her wool sweater. I said "mom you may want to take it off, you are going to get too hot..." She said "Becky I am freezing - I am wearing the sweater."
Alrighty then.
We start walking.
She then says....."Good Lord Becky you should have told me it was so hot....now I have to carry this sweater." (She won't allow me to carry it)
Ha ha ha
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
NOT MY JOB....IT IS MY JOB ADJUSTING MY ATTITUDE
I work in customer service - I answer phones, emails and chats all day. My job is to take care of the customer - to be nice, patient, kind even when it is hard. My desk phone rings non-stop all day - by the end of the day a ringing phone is like nails on a chalkboard.
Recently, my duties have increased beyond customer service. I must admit my attitude wasn't that great. I was having and still am having a hard time adjusting and finding time to do the job right. I was resentful. Then I was taken to the woodshed....
God speaks of working.....
Here are a few scripture points....
Be diligent and hard-working (Proverbs 14:23).
Do not be lazy. (1 Thessalonians 5:14; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-12; Proverbs 6:6-11; 12:24,27; 15:19; Ecclesiastes 11:6; Titus 3:14
Do not just do what you should, do it on time, when you are supposed to (Proverbs 20:4)
Be skilled at what you do (Proverbs 22:29; 1 Corinthians 4:12; Ephesians 6:5-8), and do it as you were serving the Lord (Colossians 3:22-24)
Planning is both good and essential (Proverbs 20:4,18; 21:5; 30:25). Give thought to your ways (Proverbs 14:8; Titus 3:14).
There are so many others!
I am blessed to have a job. Blessed to work for a company who understands a sick mom, school events, etc. Very family friendly. I need to plan, be more organized and work to bless God, not myself!
Recently, my duties have increased beyond customer service. I must admit my attitude wasn't that great. I was having and still am having a hard time adjusting and finding time to do the job right. I was resentful. Then I was taken to the woodshed....
God speaks of working.....
Here are a few scripture points....
Be diligent and hard-working (Proverbs 14:23).
Do not be lazy. (1 Thessalonians 5:14; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-12; Proverbs 6:6-11; 12:24,27; 15:19; Ecclesiastes 11:6; Titus 3:14
Do not just do what you should, do it on time, when you are supposed to (Proverbs 20:4)
Be skilled at what you do (Proverbs 22:29; 1 Corinthians 4:12; Ephesians 6:5-8), and do it as you were serving the Lord (Colossians 3:22-24)
Planning is both good and essential (Proverbs 20:4,18; 21:5; 30:25). Give thought to your ways (Proverbs 14:8; Titus 3:14).
There are so many others!
I am blessed to have a job. Blessed to work for a company who understands a sick mom, school events, etc. Very family friendly. I need to plan, be more organized and work to bless God, not myself!
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Monday, May 28, 2012
So sue me.... I'm not a barber
Sam asked me to give him his summer buzz cut. We have clippers here I thought well why not? Would save $15.
Well he has no hair! I mean there is some fuzz. I told him hair is overrated but he didn't believe me. But I named a few famous bald men, Mr. Clean, Kojak, Van Diesel, Bruce Willis and others. He didn't appreciate the words. He put on a hat.
But it will grow back by Christmas?
Well he has no hair! I mean there is some fuzz. I told him hair is overrated but he didn't believe me. But I named a few famous bald men, Mr. Clean, Kojak, Van Diesel, Bruce Willis and others. He didn't appreciate the words. He put on a hat.
But it will grow back by Christmas?
Sunday, May 27, 2012
That's just nasty!
Now that I'm thinking about it I have a lot of mom and Sam stories.
But I will save those for later.
Today's story......this morning mom was up way early, I do not think she slept. So I hear her up and moving. I get up make her coffe and cereal. I take care of dogs and such. I lay back down for a few minutes sorting the day out and trying to wake up. I get back up, now Sam is up. I look over at mom and then I notice something.... She has on her ever present sweater and no shirt!!!! Without thinking I say "mom where's your shirt?!" Sam then just ran out of the room without looking but hollered out "now that's just nasty!!"
I look for the shirt can't find it! No telling where she put it. So I give her a Tshirt , she doesn't want to put it on .... She says it's too wrinkled! But she gets it on.
And then in the car it hits us both and we start laughing until mom has tears!
And no we haven't found her shirt.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Update on Charlie
My brother-in-law did have a blockage. They were able to take care of it - and changed some medicine.
Continue to pray for a speedy recovery.
They said he was fortunate he came when he did - it was a bad blockage. I guess he will learn not to ignore the signs.
Thanks for praying.
Continue to pray for a speedy recovery.
They said he was fortunate he came when he did - it was a bad blockage. I guess he will learn not to ignore the signs.
Thanks for praying.
MOM AND POPCORN
Steve popped a bag of popcorn last night - I could see mom sniffing the air. He gave her some popcorn and diet coke. She went to town! Like she hadn't ate popcorn in forever! (it probably has been a long time)
She just watched TV and ate all her popcorn. She went to bed and slept all night!
She just watched TV and ate all her popcorn. She went to bed and slept all night!
MOM AND THE SEATBELT
I seem to have a lot of posts beginning with Mom and.....
Yesterday mom is in the car with me, I say buckle up! (she clucks that tongue - becuase she has always hated seatbelts)
She pulls the strap over - and I am checking my phone, getting her stuff situated - I begin to pull out she yells "WAIT" - I look over - and she said "This won't buckle" - I look a second time - the seat belt is on her head - with the buckle part behind her ear. I don't even know what happened. Didn't even try to figure out the details - just got her situated.
Then laughed later.
Yesterday mom is in the car with me, I say buckle up! (she clucks that tongue - becuase she has always hated seatbelts)
She pulls the strap over - and I am checking my phone, getting her stuff situated - I begin to pull out she yells "WAIT" - I look over - and she said "This won't buckle" - I look a second time - the seat belt is on her head - with the buckle part behind her ear. I don't even know what happened. Didn't even try to figure out the details - just got her situated.
Then laughed later.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Pray for Charlie
My brother-in-law, Charlie, is having a heart cath tomorrow morning. He has to be at the hospital at 5:30.
Please be in prayer.
Please be in prayer.
CONGRATULATIONS 8TH GRADE SAM
Today is the last day of school. (Whew!)
At 11:30 a.m. Sam will be an official 8th grader. One year away from high school.
Sam, I am so proud of you. I love you lots!
At 11:30 a.m. Sam will be an official 8th grader. One year away from high school.
Sam, I am so proud of you. I love you lots!
MOM AND SHOES
Yesterday mom had a good day. Melecia did call once and said mom kept looking for shoes and was getting upset. Melecia laid out every pair possible.
I suggested that she take on pair of her favorites, put them in another room, and "holler" out - "Mrs. Martha, I found your shoes..."
It worked - mom settled down - she had her white Rebocks and all was well.
:)
I suggested that she take on pair of her favorites, put them in another room, and "holler" out - "Mrs. Martha, I found your shoes..."
It worked - mom settled down - she had her white Rebocks and all was well.
:)
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
MOM AND LAUNDRY!!!!!!!
I have written about laundry before. Last night I had my usual pile of laundry in a chair. I was looking at it but somehow it just didn't fold itself.
Mom was having a bad night - but all of a sudden she wanted to fold laundry. She started folding the laundry. Then she would unfold it, then fold it again. But she was calm while doing it. Then she decided to go to bed.
Whatever works!
Mom was having a bad night - but all of a sudden she wanted to fold laundry. She started folding the laundry. Then she would unfold it, then fold it again. But she was calm while doing it. Then she decided to go to bed.
Whatever works!
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
BAD NIGHT
Mom is having a real bad night. She just ate so I'm hoping she will settle.
Selfishly, I'm tired and don't feel very strong and able to handle life tonight.
Please pray for a peaceful night.
Selfishly, I'm tired and don't feel very strong and able to handle life tonight.
Please pray for a peaceful night.
A BLOG I READ AND RELATE TO.......
http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/
It will grab you from the start. I wish I had the eloquence he does.....he speaks to and for so many.
It will grab you from the start. I wish I had the eloquence he does.....he speaks to and for so many.
WANDERING - SUNDOWING.....JUST NOT A GOOD DAY
Mom did not have such a good day yesterday.
I picked her up - she was so ready to come home with me - had her little bag packed. :) She was Sundowning big time..
We get to our house - and she never settles. She nibbled at dinner (though Melecia did tell me she ate a good lunch and had snacked on her precious Mrs. Weaver's Salad), she folded some clothes (loves folding laundry), then she wandered all over the house with a paper towel just wiping - for almost two hours. She had a stomach ache - after she found relief - she rested. But she was up early and ready to go! I had a headache left over from yesterday and I felt real nervous for some reason - I couldn't sleep. Maybe I was sundowning!
As I type this I can't help but compare mom and dad. Dad went down so fast - he seemed to suffer so much. Mom is different - as Ronald Reagan's daughter wrote - it is the Long Goodbye. I am glad mom is not suffering physically. She is strong, walks and exercises - has a decent appetite. It is just the prison in her mind. Dad seemed to have known in someway what was happening and just gave up. After reading a blog or two - about treating infections and agitation - dad was totally over medicated 10 years ago. I have never wanted mom over medicated. I am funny about medicine. There are times when I may have to give mom an extra pill for agitation - I try to avoid it. Milk and a snack seem to do wonders for her. (especially if it is cookies!) I have learned that during peak sundowing time - to just get the house quiet and dim lights. I actually put the TV on "low stress" channels - the cooking channel, the weather channel, or just a kids comedy that doesn't have horrible language, etc. What seems to calm most is when we are driving in the car every morning - listening to Chuck Swindol. She loves to listen to him. Today we listened to part of Adrian Rogers and then Chuck Swindol.
Again, I appreciate Melecia so much. She had a rough day with mom yesterday but was real positive and happy when I got there- though I could tell she was tired.
I picked her up - she was so ready to come home with me - had her little bag packed. :) She was Sundowning big time..
We get to our house - and she never settles. She nibbled at dinner (though Melecia did tell me she ate a good lunch and had snacked on her precious Mrs. Weaver's Salad), she folded some clothes (loves folding laundry), then she wandered all over the house with a paper towel just wiping - for almost two hours. She had a stomach ache - after she found relief - she rested. But she was up early and ready to go! I had a headache left over from yesterday and I felt real nervous for some reason - I couldn't sleep. Maybe I was sundowning!
As I type this I can't help but compare mom and dad. Dad went down so fast - he seemed to suffer so much. Mom is different - as Ronald Reagan's daughter wrote - it is the Long Goodbye. I am glad mom is not suffering physically. She is strong, walks and exercises - has a decent appetite. It is just the prison in her mind. Dad seemed to have known in someway what was happening and just gave up. After reading a blog or two - about treating infections and agitation - dad was totally over medicated 10 years ago. I have never wanted mom over medicated. I am funny about medicine. There are times when I may have to give mom an extra pill for agitation - I try to avoid it. Milk and a snack seem to do wonders for her. (especially if it is cookies!) I have learned that during peak sundowing time - to just get the house quiet and dim lights. I actually put the TV on "low stress" channels - the cooking channel, the weather channel, or just a kids comedy that doesn't have horrible language, etc. What seems to calm most is when we are driving in the car every morning - listening to Chuck Swindol. She loves to listen to him. Today we listened to part of Adrian Rogers and then Chuck Swindol.
Again, I appreciate Melecia so much. She had a rough day with mom yesterday but was real positive and happy when I got there- though I could tell she was tired.
Monday, May 21, 2012
MRS. WEAVER'S CHICKEN SALAD
Mom loves the stuff. She eats it every day. And I mean EVERY DAY.
Other favorite foods...attention food companies....feel free to send coupons or samples. Ha ha.
Wavy Lays Chips
Caffeine Free Diet Coke
Chips A Hoy
Fig Newtons
Apple Sauce
Campbells Chicken Noodle Soup
The little chocolate Doughnuts (she loves sweets! and I don't stress about it either)
Coffee
Milk - she drinks a lot of milk!
Canned Pears and peaches
Other favorite foods...attention food companies....feel free to send coupons or samples. Ha ha.
Wavy Lays Chips
Caffeine Free Diet Coke
Chips A Hoy
Fig Newtons
Apple Sauce
Campbells Chicken Noodle Soup
The little chocolate Doughnuts (she loves sweets! and I don't stress about it either)
Coffee
Milk - she drinks a lot of milk!
Canned Pears and peaches
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