I just spent the last several days with my sister and her family in Texas and competely neglected my blog. This will be a much abbreviated posting, but I wanted to share with you a few thoughts.
While Mom was taking this uncharted journey we call Alzheimer's, she was often oblivious to the family dynamics that were also changing. My sister and I, our husbands, and her children were on a journey, as well - more like a wilderness trek, actually. The trail was unmarked and our packs weighed us down heavily as we continually argued over and searched for the right path to take. There were many forks in the trail, and Louisa and I did not always agree on which way to go. We often parted ways and stubbornly hiked our own paths, but always kept each other in sight as the paths paralled each other.
Our destinations, however, were always one-and-the-same. We both desired Mom's health and happiness. As all family caregivers of those with Alzhemier's knows, though, Mom was never going to get better. Yes, the disease took our mother's mind and memories far sooner than her body, but it could not break the bonds of our family. Louisa and I are grateful that our common desire to give Mom as much joy and comfort as possible on her final earthly walk held us together and made us all stronger for the journey.
Journey with courage,
Elaine
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