Comments on: Whoever You Are, Come Visit

By: Kym

Kym — Thu, 27 Jan 2022 01:57:19 +0000

It’s heartbreaking to lose someone this way. As others have said, we lose them twice. What an opportunity to show patience and compassion though, and I guess we trust that God can still speak to their hearts, even though they don’t recognize loved ones any more.

By: PaulaShort

PaulaShort — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 16:51:47 +0000

Lisa, this is such a dear story. I was touched by your words. Blessings.

By: Mary Geisen

Mary Geisen — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 22:13:08 +0000

Thank you for sharing so openly. I have not been affected personally by any family members having Alzheimer’s, but have watched some friends go through it. What a devastating disease. Michele is right that they lose their loved one twice.

By: Jeanne Takenaka

Jeanne Takenaka — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 21:48:27 +0000

Ahhh, Lisa. This brought tears to my eyes. My grandma died from Alzheimers, and I wish I’d been older before it afflicted her. I have memories of her teaching me how to knit, of that one known Christmas gift from her each year: a hand-knitted pair of slippers. Her smile. Her singing voice. Like you, I pray that isn’t the way I age, but I know I have family around me, and for that I thank God.

By: Barb Hegreberg

Barb Hegreberg — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 21:33:15 +0000

There are so many emotions wrapped up in loving someone with dementia/altzheimers. We have been down that road several times. It never gets any easier.

Hugs

By: Donna

Donna — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 16:30:54 +0000

Lisa, this post so resonated with me. I lost a dear friend at the age of 54 with early onset Alzheimer’s and my sweet Aunt from the same 2 years ago. Both ladies were so sweet even until the end, and my aunt never stopped laughing. Which is very unusual for most Alzheimer patients.
As a training facilitator for our clinical personnel in caring for dementia and Alzheimer patients as well as a member of our dementia resource team, though I see many sad stories, I also see the faint recognition of human dignity in a faint smile with a tender touch.
Yes, my aunt always thanked us for a visits too, and said she would “see us soon”. Yes Aunt Mary, we’ll see you soon.

By: tomthebackroadstraveller

tomthebackroadstraveller — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 14:14:20 +0000

…lovely story.

By: Joanne Viola

Joanne Viola — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 11:31:27 +0000

Having lost both of my in-laws to dementia, it is such a sad journey. Yet somehow it teaches us to value the aging, to treasure the time we have with them. I am so sorry you also have had this experience. You shared this beautifully, Lisa, and I am certain every visit is enjoyed and appreciated because of the love your aunt and uncle experienced!

By: Susan Nowell @ My Place to Yours

Susan Nowell @ My Place to Yours — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 22:47:27 +0000

Lisa, it means so much that you took time to visit your uncle and aunt—and to take little Henry! Your being there broke up the monotony of the day for both of them, and it gave you uncle a much-needed distraction, I’m sure!

Sadly, we have a long history of Alzheimer’s in our family. I watched it semi-up close with my paternal grandfather and maternal grandmother, but we’re now experiencing it “up close and personal” with my mother, even as her sister died from it a couple of years ago and her brother has it now. All three children in her family plus the mother. It’s so sad.

I just finished reading every resource in your Reflections post linked above. Some things (like The 36-Hour Day which I read years ago when dealing with grandparents) were familiar to me; other suggestions and reflections were very helpful. Thank you for sharing!

There is one additional resource I have discovered that I’d like to share with your readers: Teepa Snow (Positive Approach to Care) is an amazing woman who provides great insight into understanding/caring for people with dementia. She brings much-needed levity to a very difficult reality while showing hands-on, practical ways to treat the patient with dignity. She has many YouTube videos as well. Amazingly helpful!

By: Calvonia

Calvonia — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 21:05:28 +0000

Thank you for inviting us into this intimate yet difficult time with your Aunt and Uncle. Walking the journey of dementia is hard. But somewhere in their eyes, every now and then, you see the person you know. I believe even when they can’t cognitively recognize us, they still sense the love we have.