With Alzheimer’s and Dementia, we’ve learned to go with the flow. No sense in trying to forget that we aren’t really in control anymore. Like the river above, many times we are flowing in the thick of the white water, dotted with boulders which stop our flow and cause us to swirl around certain subjects, over and over as we get caught up in that way of thinking. And then snap! We are freed again to continue on our way until the next one snags us.
But like the river, our days keep moving. There’s nothing like a little nap to refresh Mom’s tired brain after a long day. It suits us both when she goes into her room to lay down for awhile. To be honest, I think we both need a break from each other. The silence that ensues for a precious bit of time does us both good.
I know the disease is talking sometimes and it’s not really her. I am sure that may sound strange to you, but there are times that the words that come out of her mouth are so foreign to the Mom I know and love that I know it’s simply the disease talking. I sometimes refer to it as Mr. Hyde for those words can be hurtful and never would she ever intentionally hurt us. She is always a kind, gentle, Southern Lady first and foremost.
I’ve learned to redirect as much as I can when the going gets tough. Lucky for me, I have 2 cats who have a 6th sense to appear and helpfully distract us when we get too stuck on a sticky subject boulder. Their antics never fail to bring a smile to her face and to allow her mind to let go of her thoughts and concentrate on the giggles they always bring us. In addition, my kids are very intuitive and find little ways to redirect as well when I’ve run low in my bag of subject changeable tricks.
All in all, we are in this together I keep reminding her. Sissy, Mom and me ~ the three musketeers ~ all for one and one for all! That’s what life is all about ~ love, laughter and connecting with each other!
Shine On!
xo
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