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Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Sad, but true

A young man, a former student, sat in my living room one night this week and told  my husband and me about a phone conversation with his grandmother.  The young man had to pretend to be his recently deceased grandfather. The grandmother has dementia and she thinks the grandfather is just away on a work related trip. She will not settle down and go to bed at night until she gets that phone call.  No grandson should have to do that.

 Alzheimer’s is a cruel disease.  It steals people from us. It takes away memories, causes confusion and exhausts those who are care givers.  I know because it stole my grandmother and then my mother-in-law and also an aunt and an uncle.  Every time I have to stop to think, what day is this or whether I completed a task, or what I did with a certain item a bit of fear creeps into my thoughts...what if one day it steals me too?
I hope someone finds a way to stop this thief very soon.

*If you have to try explaining this dreadful disease to a child, I recommend this book by Lester L. Laminack.


8 comments:

Dana Murphy said...

That is sad. Heart breaking. I hear terrible stories about Alzheimer's, very scary. I'll check out that book - thx.

Unknown said...

So sad! My Grandpa had Alzheimer's, and it was very difficult for all of us. Thanks for sharing the book recommendation!

Jackie said...

My husband's father had Alzheimer's and he too has that fear creep up when he forgets something. I do hope there will be some breakthrough for this sad disease. Jackie http://familytrove.blogspot.com/

Maricel Edwards said...

And I thought dying alone was my number one fear. My heart goes out to all those who have this cross to bear.

Judy said...

This is a terrible disease and one we as adults have a hard time coping with. I feel for this young man and pray that he will be able to cope. There are so many advances in the medical field that we can only hope and pray that this disease will soon be extinct.

Tam said...

I haven't experienced first hand but it is on my mind now that I am retired. It's a terrible disease. Loved ones are there, but not there. They say dying is for the living and I think dimentia/alzheimers is for the living, too. Sad but true.

Linda said...

Delilah that is a very good blog.I to often wonder ask kenneth often if I am doing ok.

Nanc said...

It is so cruel...my mom has beginning stages and ohhh, how hard when there is a healthy body and not mind to support it. Thank you for the book suggestion. xo