Did you find out where we are? THAT sums up the level of Little Mama's confusion today. She spent a large part of the day outside in the bright and beautiful sunshine. THAT is supposed to help. Not today. She asked "Did you find out where we are" when Kim came inside shortly after she did. We told her she was at home. She said, "Okay, at least I'm with family. Haha...I called y'all my family." Uh, yeah...that's what we are! But, see, at this moment, she didn't know who we were or where she was.
I was almost finished with preparing a late lunch/early supper. Not more than 10 minutes later...I served the meal outside. She was seated next to the door. When I opened the door to serve the meal, she looked up at me and said, "Can I go with you?" in a somewhat frightened voice. Ummm...... I'll be right back. We are about to eat, I replied. It took me just a couple of minutes to get my plate and get back outside. When I stepped outside, she was beginning to cry. Little Mama still didn't know who we were or where she was. She was afraid because everything was unfamiliar. When we told her that she is at home, she said in a firm, almost angry voice, "No, I am NOT at home." By then, the tears had stopped. She seemed to be a little better after she ate...but only for a short while. At one point, she looked out into the yard and thought she saw a lot of people. I guess the trees looked like people. And the white iris looked like a man wearing a t-shirt.
All evening, we have had to be on our toes. She was going to carry her ice cream bar into the bathroom with her and finish eating it in the bathroom. When I suggested that she just put it down for now and eat it when she got back, she suddenly didn't need to go to the bathroom anymore. She has been irritated by the dog playing with a toy. Little Mama seemed to think that the dog had something of hers.
Most of all, she has been worried about phone calls. When I returned from taking the dog for a walk, she asked, "Did you make a phone call?" No...I didn't call anyone. She looked puzzled. I began to probe to find out what was going on in her brain...what she was concerned about. She wanted to make sure that she paid for her phone call. Apparently, she thought she had placed a phone call. She said, "I called Richard and them to let them know where I am." She wants to make sure to pay for the call. And just now, she pointed at the dog and said, "Is she who the phone call would be about?" No... (I am confused...I guess I'm in good company!)
I am hoping that she stays in bed tonight....but I'm not sure... The full moon was on April 25th.... I can't blame it on that... I will be saying some big prayers tonight.
Welcome!
This is a journal of our lives with my mom, affectionately known as Little Mama. In her 90's, she is a sweet, spunky, spirited, sometimes exasperating, tiny little lady that now lives with moderate dementia and macular degeneration. These journal entries show the good times and the not-so-good times.
Little Mama's type of dementia is age-related and is not hereditary. Sometimes, she appears to be perfectly normal. Other times, it is obvious that something is amiss. It is her desire to remain in our home rather than live out her days in an assisted living facility. It is my prayer that we will be able to honor her in this way. We feel blessed...and challenged...that she lives in our home. This is not easy, and important things rarely are easy. It takes an emotional and physical toll on the caregivers. I've been through the 7 stages of grief at least once if not more! If you are in a similar situation, you understand what I mean! Fortunately, our family helps a lot both physically and emotionally. It takes a team.
Little Mama's type of dementia is age-related and is not hereditary. Sometimes, she appears to be perfectly normal. Other times, it is obvious that something is amiss. It is her desire to remain in our home rather than live out her days in an assisted living facility. It is my prayer that we will be able to honor her in this way. We feel blessed...and challenged...that she lives in our home. This is not easy, and important things rarely are easy. It takes an emotional and physical toll on the caregivers. I've been through the 7 stages of grief at least once if not more! If you are in a similar situation, you understand what I mean! Fortunately, our family helps a lot both physically and emotionally. It takes a team.
The fourth commandment tells us to honor our parents. That is done in many different ways. If you are struggling with a decision, please pray and ask for guidance and wisdom. Our Lord will let you know how He wants you to honor them. Regardless of the way you honor your loved ones, you will need support. So build your team, whether it is from members of your family or a support group.
I am finally learning that: I can't fix it. I can't change it. All I can do is accept it, trust God, and roll with it. (My condensed version of the Serenity Prayer.) We are learning to relax, laugh, and savor every moment we have with my mom on this side of Heaven.
I am finally learning that: I can't fix it. I can't change it. All I can do is accept it, trust God, and roll with it. (My condensed version of the Serenity Prayer.) We are learning to relax, laugh, and savor every moment we have with my mom on this side of Heaven.
So, scroll down.... read the entries...laugh and cry with us.
Blessings!
Lisa
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