(The post below was written on February 4, 2020. My mom passed on April 4, 2020.) My 3 1/2-year-old niece took this photo last week. She picked up my phone and started pretending to take pictures, or at least I thought she was pretending because the screen was locked. It wasn’t until later that I … Continue reading Alzheimer’s Care Through A Child’s Eyes
Tag: hospice
I’m Exactly Where I’m Supposed to Be
(The post below was written on January 28, 2020. My mom passed on April 4, 2020.) I just turned 35 years old. I haven’t had a real job in almost seven years. Not because I’m a stay-at-home mom. Not because I’m having babies and raising children. Not because I’m disabled or sick or unable to … Continue reading I’m Exactly Where I’m Supposed to Be
Celebrating Mom’s Last Birthday
(The post below was written on January 23, 2020, the day before what would be my mom’s last birthday. My mom passed on April 4, 2020.) I went to the grocery store earlier today to get a cake, candles, balloons, and a card for my mom’s birthday tomorrow. I selected everything carefully. I even had … Continue reading Celebrating Mom’s Last Birthday
Changes, Chaos, and Grief
(The post below was written on January 20, 2020. My mom passed on April 4, 2020.) There has been a lot of change in the last two weeks or so. In short, we are beginning to prepare for the end. Then again, aren’t we always? It seemed as though my mom was plateauing for a … Continue reading Changes, Chaos, and Grief
The Beginning of the Final Decline
(The post below was written on January 13, 2020. My mom passed on April 4, 2020.) Friday was a rough day. My mom’s regular aide was out all week taking care of her own mom. The agency failed to send a replacement on Tuesday and Wednesday, so my dad was on his own. Since I … Continue reading The Beginning of the Final Decline
The First Day Without Her
I have been meaning to update my blog for a while now. If you follow me on social media, then you already know, but I wanted to give an update for those who don’t. My mom passed away about three months ago, on April 4, 2020, after a ten-year battle with Alzheimer’s. She had been … Continue reading The First Day Without Her
Take the Picture
When my mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, I didn’t know that she would eventually stop looking at the camera. Not because she didn’t want her picture taken, but because she had no idea what that meant. I didn’t know that she would have a distant look in her eyes, that she would no longer look … Continue reading Take the Picture
How Can You Go on Living While Someone Is Dying?
My mom started hospice care about three weeks ago. Although I’ve known this was coming for quite some time, it was still upsetting to hear that her in-home healthcare nurse had suggested it to my dad. I knew she would be approved immediately upon an evaluation. During my visits over the last several months, I’ve … Continue reading How Can You Go on Living While Someone Is Dying?