Descent into Alzheimer's Disease

In January I placed Mom in an Alzheimer’s facility after 5 1/2 years of being her caregiver. That was a very difficult step, but it has worked out well enough.

When I moved her in, I commented on our friend, Norma, who was there, on hospice and not expected to live more than a few days. I also mentioned another friend whose husband was there.

Norma rallied and is off hospice and doing much better than a year ago. She is no longer bed-ridden, but she’s not jumping through hoops, either. Her husband is understandably fighting depression and taking wonderful, loving care of her.

My other friend’s husband passed away last summer. She still misses him terribly and is trying daily to work through the grief.

I was also told Chris and I had to leave Mom’s house, but we had six months to vacate. I needed time to get Mom settled in and to make sure I wasn’t going to bring her back home.

In March I found Mom restrained to her chair for the first time. She also had a never-ending UTI which I had to get four rounds of antibiotics for and also had to really be pushy about her getting fluids. Finally she was able to shake it.

I was less than happy with my first impressions of her care at Facility. My expectations were too high.

I started the first job I have had outside the home since Chris was born! What a blessing to see the Lord provide for me so quickly. After all the years I stayed home with my kids and mother, I was a bit worried about re-entering the workplace. Worry is a waste of time and of course the Lord had employment waiting for me. It is never a mistake to obey the Lord and His Word.

In April I signed the contract on our house and Chris started working at The Secret Place.

In August Aunt Peggy and Josh came to visit. I started my new shift at work and no longer had to work til 3 A.M. YAY!

In October I met Karen for a day in Staunton, as I did in November and again today. [ We ate at The Depot Grille. All I have to say is FEED ME! Wow, was it ever delicious! I didn’t even cheat too badly on my diet.] We had fun as always. We’ve now discovered the Shakespeare theater and plan to go again in the summer.

In December Josh and Leah came for their last visit before moving to Leah’s new base, Travis AFB in California.

So, at the end of the year, Mom is doing well with her new living arrangement. [I’m still mulling over the idea of moving her back home, though.]

The Lord has been with us each step of the way. I have been questioning just how we are supposed to worship and if I am in the right church. I trust the Lord to guide me through this period, too, and to lead me in a plain path.

We are a people steeped in tradition and sometimes we can’t see the forest for the trees.

2003 was a very good year and brought major changes in my life. I’m very happy to be able to lean on the Lord, knowing He is in control and everything IS going to be okay.

I’m very much looking forward to 2004, expectantly waiting to see what The Lord has in store for us.

Proverbs 3:5 - 6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.