Nothing has taught me more about the passage of time than my mom’s journey with Alzheimer’s. Over the past ten years, I have been amazed by time’s ability to both stand still and fly by at the exact same time. I always thought about that saying, “The days are long, but the years are short.” … Continue reading My Mom Died Eight Months Ago, But It Still Feels Like Yesterday
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.
When It’s Over, It’s Over
This is probably the most vulnerable and transparent thing I have ever said on this platform, so please be kind. When I was at my deepest, darkest, lowest point of my mom’s journey with Alzheimer’s, I would actually get a little bit jealous when someone else’s loved one passed away. Not because I didn’t love … Continue reading When It’s Over, It’s Over
My Mom’s World Got Bigger When She Died
After my mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, her world became increasingly smaller. It started with losing her ability to drive. She could no longer go out anywhere unless someone else was able to take her. Since my dad was still working full-time, she would have to wait until he got home from work or had … Continue reading My Mom’s World Got Bigger When She Died
I Can’t Stop Thinking About Death Since My Mom Died
I often wonder if the average person thinks about death as often as I do. If someone doesn’t answer the phone or respond to a text right away, I think they must have died. If one of my dogs starts coughing or making a weird noise, I think they must be dying. I am well-aware … Continue reading I Can’t Stop Thinking About Death Since My Mom Died
Caregiving Is Hard, But It’s Also Beautiful
Imagine being told the only way to end your suffering would be for your loved one to die. That is the sad reality Alzheimer’s families live with every day. Death is the only true escape for the suffering they endure and yet, they continue to show up to care for their loved one in hopes … Continue reading Caregiving Is Hard, But It’s Also Beautiful
Remembering My Two Moms
Yesterday I was at my parents’ house visiting my dad and I went upstairs to get something. Before I started back down the stairs, something made me pause and think about how my sister and I used to sit at the top of the stairs on Christmas morning, squealing with excitement, until my mom said … Continue reading Remembering My Two Moms
I Am Dreading the Months Leading Up to the First Anniversary of My Mom’s Death
Last week I wrote a post about how I’m actually feeling excited about the holiday season in spite of it being the first one without my mom. That’s all real and true. I’m not dreading the holidays at all this year. I’m actually really excited for Thanksgiving and Christmas. But there’s something else that’s been … Continue reading I Am Dreading the Months Leading Up to the First Anniversary of My Mom’s Death
How My Mom’s Alzheimer’s Journey Prepared Me For Life Without Her
Losing your mom to Alzheimer’s is a very unique experience. You’ve already been living without her for a very long time and then when she dies, you have to learn how to actually live without her. My mom didn’t prepare me for a life without her. She couldn’t have. My mom didn’t make sure there … Continue reading How My Mom’s Alzheimer’s Journey Prepared Me For Life Without Her
Embracing Both Grief and Joy This Holiday Season
The other day I was telling my husband that I actually feel excited about the holidays this year. I also told him that I feel incredibly guilty for feeling excited. I mean, this will be my first holiday season without my mom. Shouldn’t I be consumed with grief and dreading it? How can I possibly … Continue reading Embracing Both Grief and Joy This Holiday Season
How to Know When the Last Time Should Be the Last Time
There are many “last times” with my mom that I don’t remember at all, but I vividly remember the last time I took her to get her hair done. It was February 1, 2017 and the only reason I know the date is because I took this picture. As always, I went to my mom’s … Continue reading How to Know When the Last Time Should Be the Last Time
