When I was growing up, we always celebrated Mother’s Day by going out to brunch or having a cookout at our house. I loved buying my mom flowers and finding her the perfect gift to show my love and appreciation. That all changed once my mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. As the disease progressed, I … Continue reading Surviving Mother’s Day When Your Mom Has Alzheimer’s
Author: Lauren Dykovitz
Lauren Dykovitz lives in New Jersey with her husband and two black labs, Oakley and Lucy. Lauren is a writer, wife, dog mom, sister, aunt, and Alzheimer's daughter. Aside from writing her own blog, Lauren has been a contributing writer to several other websites and blogs. Lauren also self-published her first book, "Learning to Weather the Storm: A Story of Life, Love, and Alzheimer's." It is available on Amazon.
I’m Grateful I Chose to Change My Perspective On My Mom’s Alzheimer’s
A few years into my mom’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, she and I were alone at her house one morning. I told her that I was going upstairs to do a few things and to call me if she needed me. After just a few minutes, I heard her calling out for me from her chair in … Continue reading I’m Grateful I Chose to Change My Perspective On My Mom’s Alzheimer’s
On the First Anniversary of My Mom’s Death
One year. It doesn’t seem possible. I’ve learned so much since the day you died. I’ve grown so much, too. I’ve learned to cherish the little things that bring me joy, but also not to sweat the small stuff. I’ve learned that life is short and precious and best spent pouring love into those you … Continue reading On the First Anniversary of My Mom’s Death
I’m Grateful to My Husband for One Last Day With My Mom
On this day last year, my husband and I were all set to move into our new house. We were supposed to meet the movers at our storage unit to load up the truck and then take everything to the new house to unload it. Our busy moving schedule meant that I would have to … Continue reading I’m Grateful to My Husband for One Last Day With My Mom
I Am Ready for New Life One Year After My Mom’s Death
I was talking to my sister the other day about the upcoming first anniversary of our mom’s death, which happens to fall on Easter this year. My sister said that at first she was sad that Mom’s anniversary is the same day as Easter. She said Easter is supposed to be a happy day with … Continue reading I Am Ready for New Life One Year After My Mom’s Death
Lilies Take Me Back to When My Mom Was Dying
My husband and I were shopping at the grocery store yesterday. They had tons of Easter flowers. There were tulips, hyacinths, and lilies. As soon as I saw the lilies, I knew I had to say something. “If you’re going to buy me flowers for Easter, please don’t get me lilies.” I love lilies. I … Continue reading Lilies Take Me Back to When My Mom Was Dying
It’s Possible to Become More Patient with Practice
When I was younger, I considered myself to be a very impatient person. I got frustrated and annoyed pretty easily. I was always getting fired up about something. Early on in my mom’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, I would get frustrated and snap at her pretty often. I blamed it on the fact that I was an … Continue reading It’s Possible to Become More Patient with Practice
Signs From My Mom Remind Me That All of My Memories Bring Her Back to Me
Sitting there in the waiting room last week while my dad had his heart procedure, it struck me how everyone was there for someone they love, someone they care for. The hospital referred to each of us as a “support person” and there we all sat, supporting and caring for someone we love, while anxiously … Continue reading Signs From My Mom Remind Me That All of My Memories Bring Her Back to Me
Caring for My Dad Triggers My Grief, But Reminds Me That I’m Not Alone
Last week, my dad had a heart procedure done at the hospital. I anxiously waited for hours in the waiting room, the way you do when your only surviving parent is having a heart procedure done. Finally, my dad’s doctor came into the waiting room to tell me that everything went smoothly and my dad … Continue reading Caring for My Dad Triggers My Grief, But Reminds Me That I’m Not Alone
Tell the FDA to Quickly Approve Promising New Treatments for Alzheimer’s!
As you probably already know, Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States and is the only top 10 disease without an approved treatment or a cure. Alzheimer’s has not seen a new therapeutic drug approved in nearly two decades. The FDA has the opportunity to swiftly approve promising new … Continue reading Tell the FDA to Quickly Approve Promising New Treatments for Alzheimer’s!
