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Sunday, May 11, 1997 at 07:04 pm Today is Mother's Day. My day to remember and
with me when Alzheimer moved into her mind. She was my mother's sister. She never had children of her own, and she was very different from my mother, but in her way she loved me very much and I loved her. mother, and enjoyed telling me about her. My grandmother died when Momma was just nine years old, so I never had the chance to know her, but momma remembered and talked of her. I believe as long as someone remembers you, a part of you still lives. My grandmother's wedding picture is in my living room. When I look at it I treasure all of my mothers special memories that she shared with me. has to do with Alzheimer the transformer. As Alzheimer takes control and starts transforming your loved one into someone you don't know, you need to be able to remember. what they laughed at. They still can laugh, and need to do so. They may not remember what happened 30 min. ago, but they can remember what happened 20 years ago. It is up to you to remember what made them smile and remind them of a time long ago that they can remember with you. They will not remember it in the same way you do, but they will remember enough to enjoy the conversation. Alzheimer the transformer, has altered their memory, and reactions, but they still need to feel joy. gardening, reading, arts and crafts, cooking hunting, fishing, whatever. Alzheimer the trans- former has robbed them of the ability do these things. Alzheimer does this, and the person does not even know it has been done. After Alzheimer is in control the person almost always does not even know they have Alzheimer . If they loved gardening they may tell you they have been working all morning in the garden. This statement may come at 2:A.M., when you have went to check on a noise you heard in their room. You may not feel like it, but this is a time to remember with them. Talk to them about whatever it was they liked to do and whatever it is they still remember. Don't give Alzheimer the transformer the power to take everything once loved and treasured from their lives. loved one is in the same process in reverse. Make this journey as easy and enjoyable for both of you as you can. Does the word enjoyable when applied to Alzheimer seem like a contradiction? Well, you can't stop it, and if you fight it you will lose, so don't waste your time and energy worrying about it. Find something the two of you can enjoy no matter how small. A smile, a cookie that actually gets to the mouth, not the floor, a walk outside, the smell of a rose, the morning sun. Remember the good things each day. being. the Transformer robs them of the ability to understand pain and discomfort. They will not be able to clearly tell you what their condition is. Remember to watch for signs. They may rub some part of their body a lot, or hold their head, or cry for no reason. Remember even though they do have Alzheimer they still can become uncomfortable and ill for another reason just like everyone else. You will have to watch for the signs the same as a mother watches for signs of distress in an infant. yourself. Alzheimer the transformer can also bring about a startling change in you (many times not for the best). You are carrying a heavy burden and walking a lonely hard road. You must take time out for yourself. If you do not have anyone in your family who can or will share the load with you , then you must find some assistance in community programs. Reach out to the programs in your community, and you will be surprised who may reach back. If you can't find any assistance in your community e-mail me and I will try to help you find a program to work with you. not have Alzheimer . She is 9 and 1/2 years older than me. I never knew her as a person till I was grown, and she was awaiting the birth of her third daughter and I was expecting my first baby. My sister baby-sat for me, thought me to dance, helped me shop for cloths when I was in high school, and helped me see the funny side of troubles. I really do not have the space here to tell you all the things she has done for me. I shall always be grateful. Thanks sister for those long walks and all the extra work when I was in the 8th. grade I remember my Aunt. The last of a family of
11.
give Alzheimer the power to control your life. You will have to make changes and adjustments, but you do not have to allow Alzheimer the transformer to rule your life. Mary B
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