I wanted to thank you who left comments of encouragement on my last post. The trip to the coast with my mom was one of the hardest things I've had to do. I haven't had to spend a lot of time at once with her and now that I have, I see the toll that Alzheimer's is taking on her. If I had to do that too many times it would be taking a toll on me too!
Look at this beautiful sunset! The day we arrived it was gorgeous.
The next morning my daughter arrived to spend the day with us. We walked to Pig n Pancake for breakfast and passed this window on the way. Do we really need bacon in chocolate?!
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| Having a little fun in the hat shop. |
It is fun to behave like a kid every now and then.
My mom hardly slept at all and I had to sneak out at dark o'thirty to get a run in. Even then she was up- this morning she had locked herself outside without her teeth in. Yesterday I think she just stood outside and smoked until I came back- I don't think she knew how to use the room key (the one that looks like a credit card) Oh my! My mom never used to be such a chatter box either. Well, we both survived.....thank goodness.
I'd sure like to get some stitching done! Have a terrific weekend.
Lori, I'm so sorry about your mother. My grandmother had Alzeimers too. I started losing her when I was 18 yrs. old. My heart goes out to you.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you as well. We want to love our dear moms and sometimes it takes alot of energy and planning to show it. Interesting note about her being talkative. My mom has become difficult to talk to when I can't get a word in. She'll call to "hear my voice" but never let me say anything :-) She doesn't have Alzeimer's but her reasoning and memory make for a challenge at times.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that you had the time together. Alzheimer's is very trying and difficult to watch in those we love. Thanks for sharing the fun pictures.
ReplyDeleteBless you for doing this, and even though she's not the same mom you once had, the memories of the trip will be special for you. When she's in her chatterbox phase, could you possibly get her to talk about being a little girl, and remembering things like her grandparents and others that would never have known? That might be a good way to learn some family heritage. (Of course, if she's not reliable in her "tales" that would make a difference.)
ReplyDeleteLori, I am so sorry about your mom too. I have a friend in CA and her grandpa had Alzimers and he would get up in the middle of the night and go out in the snow!
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a wonderful weekend!
It must be so hard to see someone that you love slipping away from you. Glad you made the trip and you all were able to have a little fun.
ReplyDeleteAlzheimer's is a very horrible disease, I am lucky so far that both my parents are doing well. My Mother's mom had it after she suffered a stroke and it was hard to see it take her away right in front of us. Glad you were able to spend quality time with your Mom. The pictures show that she enjoyed the time at the beach. Hugs to you both.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful trip with your mom, lots of fun and lots of wonderful memories.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
Bless your heart, Lori. I know you are aware that you will never regret the time you take for her now, however hard it is.
ReplyDeleteThe toll that dreaded disease takes on the family members can be overwhelming. I'm fortunate that my mother is alert and vibrant at her advanced age, but two dear friends have weathered the devastation of Alzheimer's with a parent. Bless you and your family, Lori, I hope all goes as well as can be hoped for.
ReplyDeleteCherish the memories.
I'm so sorry about your mom. My mom is 92 and was diagnosed with Alzheimer's at 81. She's almost blind now, too. She doesn't know who I am but she loves for me to come and visit and "show" her my quilts. As long as there's good contrast between light and dark she can kind of see them a little bit. They have a basket of fabric at the care center where she is and we sit and feel it and talk about the different textures. She seems so far gone sometimes, but still laughs at the right times at the jokes in the Reader's Digest! I pray for peace for you and for your mom.
ReplyDeleteSuch a difficult path you are on...but those times together even when filled with complexities will be treasured always.
ReplyDeleteMy own Mom is experiencing days of confusion and stress. I can see the ability to connect with us fading more and more. How I miss those days when we would chatter away in the kitchen or enjoy shopping together.
My heart goes out to you Lori. I know a bit what you are going through because my mother-in-law is currently in the latter stages of that horrible disease. It just breaks our hearts every time we visit her.
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to say hi.
ReplyDeleteSending you and your mother blessings.
Well done,Lori. Although hard you will look back with fond memories and maybe able to laugh at what is awful. Big big hugs from across the pond. Sue
ReplyDeleteBless you both.
ReplyDeleteOh, Lori, that is so hard. Be strong!
ReplyDeleteYou are a wonderful, caring daughter - even when it is soooo hard! Your daughter looks so cute. I am so glad that she was able to join you.
ReplyDeleteYou're doing so well with your mum Lori. I feel bad for my sister that has my mum every weekend. I wish I could relieve her.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you got some fun in which is the great part of the trip.
Lori, big hugs to your family, especially to you and your Mom. What a wonderful thing for you to undertake, the trip with your Mom. Losing my Mom little bits at a time has been so very difficult and heartbreaking. Luckily, she was still able to joke around sometimes so we have some fun memories of her even in the hard times. My Aunt always says 'stay strong'. Stay strong Lori. More hugs.
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain. My mom had Alzheimers and I 'lost' her long before she passed away. You're an angel to take her to the beach even though it was difficult. Isn't it wonderful to have our quilting to turn to for calming and comfort???
ReplyDeleteI know it must of been hard, but I am sure that it meant alot to your mother. Your daughter was so sweet to support you with the endeavor...she is adorable...looks like her mom.
ReplyDeleteDearest Lori,
ReplyDeleteI am sorry about your mother----My mother lived till she was 92---loved her dearly and miss her she to had Alzeimers and went blind the last 2 years of her life....
Good that you had time together.
Hugs, Carolyn
I am sure you will only remember the good times from this trip and be glad you did it. My Mum had Alzheimers and it is not easy for those near and dear. Take care.
ReplyDeletelife has been so full for you in the last few weeks; both the good and the not-so-good. take care of yourself.
ReplyDelete:-)
libbyQ
I thought maybe you had to wear those hats to eat at the Pig place!
ReplyDeleteMy mother-in-law had a form of Alzheimer's. A terrible thing and so hard on the family.
It must be hard to see your mum go! I hope you can treasure the good moments together!
ReplyDeleteSorry about your mom. Alzheimer's is difficult to say the least.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the pics!! :-)
Wishing you strength and sending you a hug. The shark photos are so much fun!!
ReplyDeleteMy Mom also suffers from dementia. They say it isn't Alzeimer's but the results are the same. We've always been close and it's so hard to see her not able to remember the simplest things. She's still the sweet person she's always been but just doesn't carry on much of a conversation any more. I, like you, have not spent large amounts of time with her so I don't know the trials and frustrations my step dad is going through. Just keep the faith and appreciate every day you do have with her in any capacity.
ReplyDeleteOh lori this was a wonderful thing you did for your Mom and for you. The pictures are fun and I am sure you made her laugh many times and in her world everything was great this trip.
ReplyDeleteKathie
It seems her sense of humor has it's moments too! I notice that my MIL, who can't hear well, talks a lot (well, she's always talked a lot but now she doesn't yield the floor!) I think that's common in older people--they are afraid of missing what other people say in conversation so they do the talking.
ReplyDeleteLori, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I enjoyed the pictures, and it looked like your Mom had some good times with you.
ReplyDeleteROFL--laughed at your mom and her teeth. my dad usually doesn't wear his teeth....! Glad you had some silly fun. And pictures.
ReplyDeleteA hard weekend, but I"m glad you did it now.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you took the time to spend with her no matter how hard it is. The pics are priceless! So is the story about her getting locked out without her teeth in.
ReplyDeleteLove ya!
Bonnie
Lori, You are a good daughter. I"m sure your mom appreciated and enjoyed the time together. And it was good for Renee so see you take the time as well. Sure looks like it was beautiful, too. I can't imagine having to watch the deterioration like that. Once again, your strength is exceptional!! You are amazing.
ReplyDeleteAh Lori. It's tough and I am glad you did the trip. We just went to my husband's sisters home on our vacation and she is definitely struggling. Can't remember words, or who people are in photographs, and is very "busy" all over the house calling for the cat, trying to find "things" and always trying to give away precious stuff. It was hard. Her husband seems overwhelmed and wants her to stop driving...but can't bring himself to tell her. That has got to be done! Such a sad time. Love to you girl!
ReplyDeleteChocolate cover bacon...now really! I am so glad that you took that time with your mom...you will love to think about it later, and I know it must be so hard...many hugs and all encouragement to you!
ReplyDeleteGood to hear that you survived and the photos show you have some fun memories to take away *s*
ReplyDeleteoh gosh, what a challenge -
ReplyDeletemaybe we do need bacon dipped in chocolate.
I'm sure it meant the world to her, whether or not she can express it.
Gee, Lori just read this post about your trip w/your mom. It's been a while since I've been able to read your posts but that one sure hit home. My mom has Alzheimers and it's hard to watch the changes in her. She will sit on the sofa all day w/out moving if we don't take her out. She never calls me and I think it's because she can't remember to. Thank goodness she has my dad, but it's hard on him too.
ReplyDeleteGail :)