There always seem to be new developments with my mom's Alzheimer's. This trip was surprising because she talked nonstop. When I went home in July she said very little, maybe a few words a day. This time she talked and talked and talked. The problem was that she was usually talking to people who weren't really there. She would talk to the pillow and tell it how pretty it was. She would talk to the woman in the mirror and tell her how pretty her shirt was. And she would talk to the bad people who kept coming to her house and upsetting her. This was the most disturbing thing. She would be looking at something and telling it over and over that it wasn't being nice and that she just couldn't let that thing come to her house and be mean. And she would get more and more upset and tears would spring up in her eyes and then she'd tell my dad that he needed to take care of those people. And he would pat her on the hand and say, "Now honey, you know I'll take care of it." And she would smile and nod and everything would be okay. . . for awhile anyway.
She may not know who I am, but she certainly knows who my dad is. Her entire existence revolves around him. She'll sit and talk to you about "my man, my Jim." He is her lifeline.
Anyway, I'm getting all emotional. Let's just say that it was nice to be home to help take some of the burden off of my Dad. It was also nice to spend some time with my brother and sister-in-law. 
The boys enjoyed playing basketball and digging for treasure and showing Grandmom how to do puzzles. She ooooohed and aahhhhed over how smart they were. And they were very sweet to her. Alec has figured out that Grandmom is like Dory on "Finding Nemo." Occasionally he'll say something like, "Grandmom can't remembe
r her memory, can she?"
r her memory, can she?" 
6 comments:
Oh Andrea, I'm emotional reading your post. I'm so sorry this disease has affected your family. However, I am thankful that you now live close enough to drive and can make the trip more often and just in a weekend. I will continue to keep your mom, dad, and whole family in my prayers. I LOVE the picture of one of the boys in the fence at sunset...beautiful!
Andrea it just breaks my heart to read about your mom. I have so many wonderful memories of her and it is so hard to believe what this disease has done.
Your dad's love and commitment is so inspiring. I am thankful you guys are closer to be able to visit more.
If there is anything we can ever do it to help please let us know.
We love you guys!
Well I go from crying because of how sad it is and how sweet that she says it's "my Jim" and then laughing because of the Nemo thing, then crying again. Wow Andrea, that is so tough, I can't imagine. Please say a prayer for Jon's mom Barbara, she is developing some memory/mind issues lately and is quite worried about it. Oh, and we miss you guys and Easton misses Zach. Hope he's adjusting well.
I'm sad for you and your family, Andrea. Unfortunately, I know somewhat how you feel and it stinks. You can be thankful, I guess, that your mom knows and depends so greatly on your dad -- and more especially that he's there for her. What a wonderful example for all of us. It's nice that you are closer to family now and can get home to spend more time with your parents. Thinking of you!
What a difficult thing for you and your family to have to deal with, Andrea. I know it must sadden you beyond words to see your mom's mental health fading. But it is truly beautiful the example you are showing your boys...that we are to love one another unconditionally. They obviously see that you are doing that and they are learning to do the same. Praise God for that!
How beautiful are the hands and feet of those who care for their spouse with Alzheimer's.
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