Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Cabernet in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO-HOO, what a ride!!"

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Stressful Week

Monday my brother and sister and I moved mom into a nursing home because we had no one to take care of her while my brother and sister in-law worked.

Mom did not understand why she had to move into the home and thought she had done something wrong. We tried to tell her she had not done anything wrong and that we just needed someone to watch over her.

If you have never been to a Alzheimer ward it is probably the most depressing place you can go. This is a all women ward and it is like watching a bunch of children in old people bodies acting out. I told Angela that if I get like that to just put me out in the desert and let the coyote's get me.It would be better and faster then sitting in a warehouse in God’s waiting room for my time to come.  

 

Angela and mom.

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With all that going on we did get to go out to eat at a Mexican restaurant,those are not all of Angela’s plates some are mine,she had more than she could handle on her plate.  

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That’s about it for our stressful week here.

We hope everyone has a safe and good week ..

ONE DAY CLOSER TO OUR DREAM

17 comments:

Along the Way with JnK said...

Jerry's dad passed away a few years ago with Alzheimer's and we made a pact to one another. If we are lucky enough to both get that way at the same time to take one another out to the desert and shoot one another. We also joke that if one ever gets that way, to drop us off at any street corner with a sign around our neck and drive away. We don't think either one of us could do either one of those things but we try to make light of a very bad disease.

That is why we continue to think along the lines that life is too short and we must all live every moment as if it could be your last.

So sorry you had to make such a decision about your mom, but it is for her best to be some place where she is taken care of 24/7. It really is ok...

Travels with Emma said...

Dealing with a parent with Alzhiemer's is a sad stressful situation. :(

Happytrails said...

I totally understand where you are in your emotions right now. I went through the same thing with my mom. She had strokes that left her with dementia...much like Alzheimer symptoms. I have been in a Alzheimer ward and it is sooooo sad. Our family doctor once said it was the saddest thing to see the body outlast the mind....he died several years later from Alzheimer.
I will keep you, your family and especially your mom in my prayers. Hang in there! Sending hugs!!

Phyllis said...

We understand those tough decisions. Len's mom had to go to a nursing home for a few months last year before she passed. There were times she was confused and other times not. Her's was not Alzheimer but just old age dementia.

I always kiddenly said I only want to live long enough to be a burden to my children. They tell me when that time comes they will leave me on the library steps with all identification removed.

We all love our parents and want what is best for them. Sometimes what is best is not what we would have wanted. God Bless.

Rick said...

I think Alzheimer's is one of those diseases that is harder on the families rather than the person with the disease. I hope your Mom finds peace and contentment in her new home.

K and D in the RV said...

We understand what you are going through - Don's mom was put in a residence, and she did not like it. Alzheimer's, which my father has, is very difficult and so sad when it happens to vital, full of life people.

Dennis and Donna said...

My grandmother lived with us...Mom used to find her sitting in our kitchen with her suitcase in the middle of the night...waiting for the train. She ended up in a nursing home..I call myself Dementia Donna sometimes...my way of handling the fact that I could end up like grandma...Our prayers are with your entire family..Hugs all around...

Carol K said...

So sorry to hear about your stressful week, Kenny and Angela. Alzheimer's is one of the worst diseases that families have to deal with. Prayers for you and your mom!

Sue and Doug said...

hang in there Kenny and Angela!..sorry to hear about your Mom!..and it is hard when the mind goes before the body!...hugs to you both.

Donna K said...

My mother had Alzheimer's and just last week found out that my oldest brother has been diagnosed (he's 81). YIKES! So sorry you and your family have to face this. It is certainly not easy. Between the two of us, my sister and I managed to keep Mother at our homes until the end but it was the most difficult thing I have ever done. Sometimes letting the professionals do the caretaking is the kindest thing all the way around. Good bless and remember the good times.

Alan and Marilyn McMillan said...

We know what it's like to put someone in a home -- both my mother & dad were in a room together. Mother was there only a couple of months before she died. Like Nancy Reagan said about Alzheimer's -- it's a long good goodbye. It's usually more difficult for those who make those hard decisions than it is for the patient. God bless your mom, you & your family.

Unknown said...

So sorry to hear about your stressful week. I pray things will get better for you, your mom and the rest of the family.

Deborah said...

My Mom was diagnosed at the young age of 62. I was her primary caretaker for six years, until she went into a nursing home. She was there for seven years before she died. It is a horrible disease. You lose your loved one twice, when they lose their memory of you, and when they die. I hope tomorrow is a better day for her.

pidge said...

It is so hard to make our loved ones understand that we are doing what is best for them. My prayers are with your family.

Chuck and Anneke's RV travels said...

I know how hard it can be, as my mother suffered thru the same disease. It is terrible and everyone feels so helpless.

I hope she adjusts to her surroundings.

Jim and Gayle said...

We understand what you're going through. Jim's dad had Alzheimer's and spent his final months in a nursing home. My mom died of breast cancer at age 52. Just a couple of the reasons we retired early and became full timers. You never know how many tomorrows you have left. Hang in there.

Kevin Read said...

I know how you must feel. My Mom had Alzheimer's too, it was hard to watch someone so vibrant turn into such a lost person. I think it was to be one of the most miserable diseases out there.

I hope your Mom has settled in at her new home and will enjoy it there and I hope you can feel good about knowing she is being looked after well.

Kevin and Ruth
www.travelwithkevinandruth.com