Descent into Alzheimer's Disease

To prepare for writing the last entry off 2001, I thought it would be a good idea to read over the year’s journal to remind myself of the highlights.

About a year ago, my sister had come over one day to help bathe Mom. While we did get it done; it took about 2 hours and my sister said she preferred not to help me, so we made calls together to try to set something else up. Nothing else ever came to fruition and I have had just a horrible time with it. Recently my sister decided she would help and it’s been working out wonderfully! I guess she felt bad about me having such a hard time. For whatever the reason, I’ll just enjoy it and appreciate it for as long as she will help.

A year ago I was still taking Mom to the movies with me. I think that was always torture for her and I finally gained enough intelligence to stop dragging her with me. Although, Chris went with us to the last one and Mom seemed to have fun. The darkness and the sound volume are just too much for her and it’s not like she knew what was happening anyway.

Mom had to be removed from a lax adult care (Vinton Baptist) and be put in a locked facility during 2001. She was just too hard to handle and elderly volunteers are no match for her cantankerous mood swings. She does okay at the Adult Care Center at the VA, but I do get lots of reports of her not cooperating. Sometimes it irritates me and other times it amuses me. I may as well laugh about it... there’s nothing I can do to change it.

I found a friend in Roanoke this year, my fourth year of living here. Carole and I go out together weekly if we can manage it. She lost her mother this year and has gone through all the things that are likely ahead for us. I am so thrilled to have a friend HERE... I have felt very alone and isolated at times even though I have friends in other cities.

Karen and I have established a more or less routine meeting in Staunton. We won’t meet often in the winter months, but we make up for it the rest of the year. Sometimes we meet and go shopping. Sometimes we reserve the board room at the library and work on our scrapbooks. We almost always go out for lunch and we always, always yak yak yak. We haven’t had a bad time yet.... well.. there was that one time when Jim almost murdered us, but we won’t go there.

2001 saw my friends Chuck and Cathy blessed with a baby girl after several years of praying for her. Chuck also realized his desire to go into the ministry full time and quit his real job. *snicker* *poke poke*

I FINALLY started attending an AD caregiver’s support group after intending to do so since I moved here! It helped so much and I love each and every one of the ladies and men who come. I have a tender heart for their sufferings and they are all so very sweet. I wish I hadn’t waited so long to join them (that’s where I met Carole!).

The terrorist attacks on America have blown away all the other news headlines of the year. 2001 will forever be remembered because of this vicious attack and the resulting war. Even though Josh and Leah are both in the USAF, they are safely stateside at Tyndale AFB in Florida. Many folks have their loved ones off in harm’s way and my prayers are with them. I believe all that is happening has a far greater significance than most people recognize. Keep looking up and watching. Time is short.

Recently we found out my brother has Alpha 1 Anti Tripsyn Deficiency and needs a lung transplant. This is a genetic disorder and I have to get tested for it as well as my sons. If I have it, I will need monthly infusions to stay somewhat healthy. Since I don’t have insurance, I am trying to decide just how to go about the testing. If I find out I do have it, I might not be able to obtain insurance later. I feel ill every time I think about my brother being so sick. It still doesn’t seem real. His 47th birthday was yesterday. Happy Birthday, big brother!

Mom was happy tonight and we watched TV and giggled together for a while. I love it when she’s in a good mood. I wish she felt better more often. When she is acting terrible, I know she must feel terrible, too. I am thankful that even through this horrible illness we’re able to share happy times.

2001 was a hard year for most folks and I suspect 2002 may be even worse. May we all turn our hearts to Jesus and stay close to Him. He is able to save us to the uttermost. I am filled with joy and sorrow... meshed together in a sweet savor of victory. Victory because of what He has done. I rest in Him and wait expectantly. It is finished.

Josh called me at midnight like he did last year. Is he just the sweetest?

Hebrews 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.