The main reason for my visit to Winnipeg last week was to spend time with Mum. My last visit with her was discouraging and depressing. Although she's being well taken care of in the long-term facility it's sad to go see her and have her be so unresponsive.
This visit was better - it was cheerful and fun. Mum was having a good day and although she still didn't recognize (and never will again) me and Wendy, she seemed to enjoy our company. She made eye contact with both of us, smiled and even laughed a few times - mere shadows of her pre-Alzheimer's smile and laugh, but real nevertheless.
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| Mum at 90 |
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| Sharing a laugh with Wendy |
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| Smiling as she walks with me |
She collected some leaves that had fallen from the trees as we walked and seemed to enjoy being out in the fresh air and sunshine. She's still very strong although we held her arms as we walked on the uneven paths. One of the blessings of Alzheimer's is that she seems to have forgotten pain and no longer seems to feel the bone grinding arthritis in her shoulder that caused her such agony a couple of years ago. She's always been a very healthy, strong woman and the Alzheimer's hasn't dimished that very much. It was so nice to have such a good visit with her. I talked to her about things that were happening in my life and she listened but couldn't respond. Forgetting how to speak is one of the many symptoms of the disease.
So, all in all, I'm glad I went and spent such an enjoyable time with Mum.
17 comments:
Glad you had a nice visit. I don't have anyone close to me with Alzheimers so I can't really relate but my goodness, it must be so difficult to see your mom vanish. I think it's very sweet tht you went to visit with her and let her enjoy your company.
It's bittersweet indeed. I am headed to Idaho to see my mom (mum) in a few weeks. I so miss my sweet little mother who will never return again. Your mother is adorable. It's so nice that she picked up leaves. That sounds like something my mom would do. I must admit it makes me a bit sad to see people stricken with such afflictions.
What a blessing your visit went well. As difficult as it must be, at least it's good to know that she isn't in any pain.
Oh Pat! How heartbreaking it must be at times. But how wonderful that you have these sweet days.
I watched Alzheimer's ravage the life of a 48 year old, I knew. And it was heartbreaking. I know what you've gone through. I am really happy that your visit with your mom went so well. Your photos will be lasting memories. Take care.
Oh Pat. I know what that is like. It can be so heartbreaking... Glad this visit was a good one!!
I am so glad to read that your visit with your mum was a good one.
Thankfully she is happy in herself and content
but I am sure that you must miss the mum you had so much.
Take care of yourself and am thinking of you,
Fiona
I'm so pleased that you had a better visit with your mum this time. It must be really upsetting that she doesn't recognize you both anymore, but how lovely that she was able to smile with you both. Perhaps there still is a remnant of some sort of memory deep down. She looks very good for 90. Lovely that she at least doesn't seem to feel pain any more. It is sad though, isn't it.
Oh Pat, you are a dear for going to see her even when it might be heartbreaking for you. The fact that you brought her pleasure with your visit must be fueling your soul. We don't get anywhere near the amount of time with our loved ones as we hope so enjoy those precious moments, they go by so fast. Even when she may not recognize you...you DO her.
Loves~
Good to hear you had a nice visit. Alzheimer's is such a terrible disease...my heart goes out to you and your family.
I'm so glad your visit was a good one:)
Your Mum looks lovely in that blue!
I'm so pleased that your visit this time was better. It must be SO difficult. You all had smiles on your faces in the pictures and that is good. You can certainly see the family resemblance between you all. :)
Glad you go to visit with you mum.....and looks as though you are looking at this in a positive manner.......good for you!!
hugs,
Jo
An old friend of mine is coming to visit me today. She lives in Colorado and this will only be the second time we have seen each other in 40 years. While I am eager to see her, I am looking forward to seeing her 94 year old mother who is traveling with her. My mom is gone and my friend's mother was like a second mom when we were kids. Even with her Alzheimers you still have your mother and her smile and it is wonderful that you can cherish her.
Hi Pat - glad the link to Tinky's blog was helpful .... I often end up in tears when I read it. I'm doing this comment on your pop-up comment form, so fingers crossed!
Me again - hooray, it worked! Glad to be able to comment again!
hi there! This is really just a test to see if I can comment! You know how wonderful I feel about your visit with your Mom!
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