Even though I was there for all of this, it was still heartbreaking to read about it. I myself have not been able to bring myself to write much of anything past or present about Mom yet, though I will have to. Thank you for your courage to tell this story.
I was with you in your story about visiting your mother. So sad no that’s not enough rather wrenching. There is no cure for this horrible disease and too many families are affected by it.
My spouse, Cathy, just went into a memory care place—well, I say that passively, but I was the one that found the place and put her there. It was a terrible beginning: she resisted, but now she mostly accepts that this is her new “home.” Fortunately, she likes the activities director and most of the aides, many of whom are exceedingly kind. Best of all she had the sense to get long-term care insurance years ago so eventually we will be reimbursed for the $7000 a month.
It’s helpful to share our stories about loved ones with dementia. I’m glad I found your blog and came upon it at 3 AM today. Thank you for pouring out your heart.
Christine, what a heart-breaking essay on the tragedy and trauma of losing a loved one to Alzheimer’s. My mother died from it, and just as you described, she became a stranger to us even as we became a stranger to her. I will be posting my story of what it was like to be with her towards the end. I hope you will come by to Subscribe to my Substack; I am very new to this platform and would love your support. I look forward to reading more of your posts. Thank you for sharing this touching story.
I admire people who are caring for their family members with Alzheimer's/Dementia.
To caretake is one thing, but to really care and bring a genuine love to a person who is still there, but may not know us is a whole other level.
It's not easy and family members are not always on the same emotional page, but to read this and to see your brother's reply here is just nice to see. Thinking of you and your family.
Even though I was there for all of this, it was still heartbreaking to read about it. I myself have not been able to bring myself to write much of anything past or present about Mom yet, though I will have to. Thank you for your courage to tell this story.
Forgive yourself for we each do what we are able at the time.
💗
I was with you in your story about visiting your mother. So sad no that’s not enough rather wrenching. There is no cure for this horrible disease and too many families are affected by it.
My spouse, Cathy, just went into a memory care place—well, I say that passively, but I was the one that found the place and put her there. It was a terrible beginning: she resisted, but now she mostly accepts that this is her new “home.” Fortunately, she likes the activities director and most of the aides, many of whom are exceedingly kind. Best of all she had the sense to get long-term care insurance years ago so eventually we will be reimbursed for the $7000 a month.
It’s helpful to share our stories about loved ones with dementia. I’m glad I found your blog and came upon it at 3 AM today. Thank you for pouring out your heart.
Sending you so much support. Thank you for sharing.
Christine, what a heart-breaking essay on the tragedy and trauma of losing a loved one to Alzheimer’s. My mother died from it, and just as you described, she became a stranger to us even as we became a stranger to her. I will be posting my story of what it was like to be with her towards the end. I hope you will come by to Subscribe to my Substack; I am very new to this platform and would love your support. I look forward to reading more of your posts. Thank you for sharing this touching story.
I admire people who are caring for their family members with Alzheimer's/Dementia.
To caretake is one thing, but to really care and bring a genuine love to a person who is still there, but may not know us is a whole other level.
It's not easy and family members are not always on the same emotional page, but to read this and to see your brother's reply here is just nice to see. Thinking of you and your family.