I photographed this sign the other day when my Dad and I traveled to Urbana to visit my 92 year old Aunt in assisted living. These words have been haunting me a bit since I first read the sign. Yes, at that age she doesn't remember things like she used to; but actually her memory isn't much of an issue. I photographed the sign because it makes me think of a dear friend with severe Alzheimer's.We all know the disease affects many elderly, but sadly it affects many younger people too. My friend was diagnosed several years back, so obviously had it awhile before being diagnosed. I've read quite a bit on line about the 7 stages and she's most definitely in the late stages (final stages, stage 7). She was in her 50's when diagnosed.
She's not been able to carry on a conversation now for a couple of years, and has not been able to be left alone while her husbands at work. She requires 24 x 7 care.
The following is a cut and paste from The National Alzheimer's Association.
Alzheimer's disease has no survivors. It destroys brain cells and causes memory changes, erratic behaviors and loss of body functions. It slowly and painfully takes away a person's identity, ability to connect with others, think, eat, talk, walk and find his or her way home.
We've spent many a vacation at the beach through the years; even when our girls were all young. We have many memories. Recently, hubby and I spent a week at the beach again with these very good friends; in hopes of bringing back some of those old memories we so cherish.
Share a memory with someone you love, maybe someone from your past. Keep memories alive, tell family stories, reminisce with friends. Take time to let people you know you care about them, while you can. It's more important then you know.
Profound & perfect share. I am so sorry about your friend, Sandy. We walked in those shoes with Harold's mother. Terrible ... May God comfort you & bless her.
ReplyDeleteTTFN ~
Marydon
Thank you Marydon, appreciate the kind words and your visit.
ReplyDeleteI lost my only Grandpa, my dad's father, to this Alzheimer back in 2005. He had only had it 5 years before it killed him. I had not seen him in 13 years when he died, but in those last years, my parents said it would not have been good to see him. I did my best oil paintings after he passed, just a few day after my parents 22nd wedding anniversary. They canceled their trip to be with him in his last days.
ReplyDeleteALZHEIMER IS VERY SAD, I KNEW A FEW PEOPLE WHO HAD IT TOO. GOD WILLING HE WILL SPARE US FROM IT AND OUR LOVED ONES. HOPE YOU ARE ENJOYING THE NICE (HOT) WEATHER, WE ARE GETTING THUNDERSTORMS AGAIN, HAD HAIL THE OTHER DAY. TAKE CARE, RIZZI
ReplyDeleteThanks Chaotic Crafter for sharing your story. Perhaps seeing you would have upset him because he wouldn't haven known you. I'm sure your parents thought of what was best for him and for you. You were probably inspired when you painted.
ReplyDeleteRizzi, we've had some hail and storms too, but at the moment; it's actually nice. Hope it stays that way for awhile.
Excellent post, Sandy. Timely, too, with the Walk-a-thon coming up soon.
ReplyDeleteAnother excellent blog, and it seems you've tapped into something that many of us are thinking about or dealing with now.
ReplyDeleteThank you, and good thoughts and prayers your way, kind lady!