As another year comes to an end, many of us spend some time reflecting about how time has changed our lives, filled with moments of happiness and sadness. Fifty-nine years ago today, was a happy occasion for my Mom and Dad when they were married.
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| December 28, 1952 |
Their lives have changed dramatically since that day in 1952. They each lived full lives together and separately with their children and their families being the bond that brought them together for special times. Today, however, Alzheimer's has placed Mom & Dad in a time warp that takes them to moments of their lives to relive again and again. Each moment they relive becomes fragmented with other moments. Some days I can tell where they are at and at other times I cannot. It is a journey all their own and we are just observers.
The following photos are of Mom & Dad today, December 2011:
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| My mother Janet |
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| My father David |
Of the two years of blogging, this update has been the most difficult with tears blurring my writing. As I look at the photos of Mom and Dad of today, I reflect on their lives and the lessons learned.
What will you make of your 2012?
God bless your mom and dad. I know this is all so difficult for you, but you are staying strong and that's the best you can do. Take heart in knowing that you are a good son to them, and that regardless of what their brains do, their true spirits are always with you.
ReplyDeleteI can see so many changes, my love, and they are not all good to see. We each travel this path alone and with our loved ones. We, you and I, have had so very many adventures both on our own and as a couple. I would not change it except to have made the hard times more smooth. But isn't it the bumpy road of life that tempers us and makes us what we are. Your parents have become special to me especially because you are a result of that loving union. I feel sad that it ended so very soon but can see that they could not live together, but they lived as friends these 59 years and that is something a lot of married individuals are unable to claim.
ReplyDeleteYour Blog is a tribute to the both of them and I know it is an aid to you and the rest of the family.
Our parents are truly the roots of our lives and we should show them honor and respect for that fact. As Dad ages and we watch on the sidelines I hope we are easing his mind as much as possible. We may not understand this condition but we are educating ourselves about it and use what we learn to make our moments with him good for all concerned. We love him and know we are doing what we can to make sure he is taken care of and provided with what he needs physically and emotionally. We do a lot, I believe, to cover the emotional part by loving him and accepting him the way he is, we talk to him and try to share as much as we can with him of our lives. Even though he may not remember later, at the moment we can share "life" with him and see him smile and hear him laugh. You are doing all a loving Son can do for his Father.
Love you always and forever
Shelley
Jay & Shelley, Even though I have never met you, please know that in my heart you all are closer than you will ever imagine! .... just reading your blog has brought tears to my eyes. As, I read your blog it brought back memories of Uncle David~ everytime I saw him he had a smile on his face~ I hurt just seeing him this way! Your mom was my neighbor for several years and I always wished I could be like her, she would walk by to take the bus and go to the Spurs games,always very active! My prayer for 2012 is for God to give you both strength to continue doing what you have been doing! We know it's not an easy task and just reading it makes me realize what I will be going through with my own mother as she struggles in this path of Alzheimer's~~ I have already gone through some episodes that literally break my heart to pieces! I wish I was living close enough to be able to help you all! My thoughts and prayers are with you daily! Hugs! Martha
ReplyDeleteJay All I can say is just give them the best always...and hugs, hugs, hugs and more hugs...I still have dad to give a hug...wish I still had Mom (3 yrs Jan 21, 2012) to give hugs but I gave her plenty and was always there for her...you do the same...my prayer are for you, Bruce and Joyce for strength to continue... Liz
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