Here's my latest AAQI quilt. I'll send it as soon as I get permission from the designer, Susan Briscoe. Sue from I Sew Quilts UK gave me a wonderful book (Japanese Taupe Quilt Blocks) when we met in NYC last year. My little quilt is anything but taupe, but it reminded me of windows that can see a little here and a little there, but unable to see the full view from a big window. This reminds me of my mom's view of her world. Only last week we (my siblings and I) have made the decision to move her into an assisted living facility. When the time comes they also have an Alzheimer's Unit that will be easy to transition to. The change will be very difficult, but in the long run it will be better for her. I've been busy dealing with a lot of the things that will need to be set up in order to make this happen. Hopefully everything will be in order, so when I go on vacation I won't have to think about it until I return. We are planning on shit hitting the fan pretty good when my mom finds out, so hopefully I'll be able to go to my happy place and not take it personal. I'm hoping to bring some of the relaxed vacation mode back with me!! (excuse my bluntness!) lol
Next: I've committed to raising $1000 for AAQI with their $1000 promise. I'm not officially on the list yet, but these things take time as this organization is all run by volunteers!!
Next: I loved this! A thank you letter from Dr. Domenico Praticò, Professor of Pharmacology at Temple University in response to receiving a research grant from the Alzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiative.
May quilts are up for auction right now! Bid generously. We can all make a difference, one quilt at a time! Check out this video! AAQI has raised over $730,000!!!
Wow, wonderful quilt, I guess there is a lot more personality behind that smile of yours. hahaha
ReplyDeleteMy husband in beyond the midstage of dementia (Alz) and we are reviewing our options when he will not be able to remain at home. I love the quilt and wish you a wonderful vacation. Your Mom is very lucky to have a daughter that cares enough about her to make difficult decisions for her safety.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you. We had to move my mother-in-law into assisted living over a year ago because my father-in-law couldn't handle her any more. It was so sad, but was for the best.
ReplyDeleteGreat little quilt with significant symbolism, Lori.
ReplyDeleteWhat a difficult choice you are needing to make. I hope you have a really happy "happy place" . You will be in my prayers--and I hope your vacation fills you with joy!
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ReplyDeleteBeautiful! Recharge your batteries and be brave!
ReplyDeleteBIg hugs to you!! It's a very difficult time. I'm here for you!
ReplyDeleteLori, I know how hard it has probably been for you all to come to the RIGHT decision for your mom.
ReplyDeleteThe main thing is she will be safe and this will take the pressure of you thus enabling you to just love her. She will soon settle down in her new environment and you will wonder why you have been so anxious.
It's always so sad when it gets to this stage but you all have to think of yourselves too.
Hoping the vacation you are talking about is the one where I am going to touch base with you once again.
Love your little quilt - and way to go on the $1000 committment - that is awesome. I need to get involved with this too. Good luck with your mom - I know that none of this is easy.
ReplyDeleteWe moved my mother in law into assisted living two years ago (dementia) and with in a month she called it 'home' and loves it. It is great to see happy transitions, and I'll bet your mother does the same. Go have fun once she is in and really don't worry. She will be fine by the time your back.
ReplyDeleteLove the little quilts.
Your quilt is wonderful, cheery colors for a sad situation. I am motivated to make another quilt for them after seeing this one. So cheery, love the window effect. I know what you mean about happy place and trying to not take it personal, that can be a challenge in and of itself. Cheers!!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that you have had to make that decision for your Mum, but at the end of the day it is really about her comfort and safety, and easing the family of the daily challenges that caring for someone at home can bring.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your fund raising commitment, a very hononable one at that Lori! Your little quilt is very sweet!!!!
I'm so sorry for you and your mother having to go through this ordeal. I know that you're doing what is best for her and somewhere deep inside she will too. Hang in there and try to enjoy your vacation. You deserve it.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry you are going through this. Hugs, and enjoy your vacation, it will all be fine.
ReplyDeleteThere is no easy solution. We had to put my Mom in assisted living a couple years ago. I bought a piece this week (scotty dog) from the AAQI site. I hope to finish a piece this month for them to sell...all for Mom.
ReplyDeleteHang in there, and thank goodness you and your siblings are in agreement on the decision - so much better for everyone. Sending a big hug your way, and have a wonderful time on your vacation!
ReplyDeleteI'll be praying!
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Hope the transition goes well. Hats off to you for doing so much for this organization.
ReplyDeleteI hope everything goes well. We were a little apprehensive when we had to place my Father in Law in full time nursing home. He has late stage Alzheimers. He absolutely loves it there! He thinks he is working again and just loves his "staff"! It has been such a blessing to the family to see him so happy.
ReplyDeleteI am also a quilter and want to start making quilts for AAQI.
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ReplyDeleteI have walked in your shoes, not too long ago. My siblings and I moved our mother into an assisted living home a few years ago and more recenly, into a nursing home. It is a sad and exhausting experience but know you are doing what is best for your mother and for yourself. Taking care of yourself is as important as taking care of your mother so go have a great vacation. I am also a new AAQI $1000 Promiser--love that organization and love using my talents to make a difference in the fight to end Alzheimer's.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you,
Brenda K.
A quilt to brighten any corner of the earth!
ReplyDeleteThanks for inspiring us to make little quilts for AAQI. Itʻs been great fun donning a small thinking cap!
Hugs and prayers, Lori.
nyima
the AAQI quilt is awesome and it's interesting to read it's backstory in relation to AD and what you are witnessing as well as living through as your mother progresses with this disease.
ReplyDeleteit's such a difficult thing to have to deal with and i admire your strength and courage as you go through it. i'm wishing you extra emotional strength as you pass into this next phase.
:-)
libbyQ
the AAQI quilt is awesome and it's interesting to read it's backstory in relation to AD and what you are witnessing as well as living through as your mother progresses with this disease.
ReplyDeleteit's such a difficult thing to have to deal with and i admire your strength and courage as you go through it. i'm wishing you extra emotional strength as you pass into this next phase.
:-)
libbyQ
Love your little quilt and what it represents. Wishing you and your family lots of strength in the days ahead. You are doing what needs to be done, and I agree with so many here, your Mom is very lucky to have you to help her now more than ever. xo Pam
ReplyDeleteHow great that you are doing work for Alzheimers!
ReplyDeleteI've seen two sides of this coin. One of the hardest days of my life was the day we left my Dad in a nursing home. But it was the best thing we could have done. They got his meds straightened out and he was more alert and able to participate in the community within the home. I also now volunteer in a different nursing home and see what a good activities staff can do to make the resident's lives more meaningful. It's the right decision. And thank you for supporting the AAQI!
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