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
Tag: dementia caregiver
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
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
There Are No Mistakes — Only Lessons
One day in the summer of 2014, about four years after my mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, she and I were hanging out in the pool at her house. It had been a trying summer, as my husband was away at a school for the military. His graduation was coming up in a few weeks … Continue reading There Are No Mistakes — Only Lessons
