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
Tag: caregiving
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
It’s Okay to Go Slow and Do What Feels Familiar
I set out to go for a short run in my neighborhood this morning. The weather was pretty gloomy, as it has been for the last few days, but I opted to run outside because I knew I needed it. This year has been heavy for everyone for many reasons, but for me it has … Continue reading It’s Okay to Go Slow and Do What Feels Familiar
Your Loved One Won’t Remember, But You Will
I can’t tell you how many times during my mom’s Alzheimer’s journey I thought to myself, “Why bother? It’s not like she’s going to remember this anyway.” There was a time when I couldn’t even look at my mom without tearing up. Every time I saw her I would have to leave the room to … Continue reading Your Loved One Won’t Remember, But You Will
Sometimes You Have To Paint a Different Picture
After my mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, I spent a lot of time feeling sorry for myself. All I thought about was what I had lost and what I would never have. All the things my mom and I would no longer be able to do and all the things we would never get the … Continue reading Sometimes You Have To Paint a Different Picture
Finding Gratitude On Your Alzheimer’s Journey
What if you woke up tomorrow morning and decided today would be different? What if you told yourself to focus only on the good things that happen? You will see and acknowledge all of the bad stuff (we all know there’s a lot), but you won’t let it drag you down. Instead, you will keep … Continue reading Finding Gratitude On Your Alzheimer’s Journey
My Dad Stepped Up When My Mom Got Sick
In honor of my dad’s birthday today, I’m sharing this article which I originally wrote for His View From Home. Click here to view the original post. I got a text from my dad one day that had a picture of two cans of Manwich and he wanted to know how to make Sloppy Joes. … Continue reading My Dad Stepped Up When My Mom Got Sick
Alzheimer’s Took So Much From Us, But I Am Grateful For What It Gave Us
Before my mom had Alzheimer’s, I never had to help her get dressed. I never had to help her use the bathroom. I never had to cut up her food for her so she could eat it. I never had to hold her hand when walking through a crowded room or down the street. I … Continue reading Alzheimer’s Took So Much From Us, But I Am Grateful For What It Gave Us
Punishing Yourself for Your Loved One’s Suffering Won’t Do Anyone Any Good
I felt so guilty living my life while my mom was suffering from Alzheimer’s and my dad was overwhelmed with her care that I just simply stopped living my life. I still feel guilty that I didn’t have to take care of her from the minute I woke up until the minute I went to … Continue reading Punishing Yourself for Your Loved One’s Suffering Won’t Do Anyone Any Good
We Need to Stop Minimizing the Grief of an Expected Loss
How many times have you heard someone say, “My loved one died. Well, she was sick and we knew it was coming, but still...”? Why do we feel the need to offer that explanation? Why do we feel the need to minimize our loss by saying that it was expected? Why do we diminish our … Continue reading We Need to Stop Minimizing the Grief of an Expected Loss
