Grateful

Many Reminders

As I was driving to an appointment this morning, I saw the moon setting behind the mountain. It was such a beautiful scene that was almost identical to what I saw 2 years ago when my dad entered Hospice Care in the hospital. The first morning I went to see him, I opened the blinds […]

Two Years

Today was the two year anniversary of my father’s death. I had been anticipating this day for several weeks now and wondering what it would be like for my mom. I set up to have my dad prayed for at the parish Mass this afternoon. While mom doesn’t always remember that my dad died, she […]

Shampoo Adventure

My mom has been too unsteady to get into the shower, plus it is uncomfortable for her and she gets freezing cold. Thankfully, the Hospice CNA comes once a week and gets her all washed up. However, when I was sitting with mom this afternoon, I realized how badly she needed her hair washed. I […]

Grateful Response

I listened to a meditation today based on Matthew 26:6-10. It was about a woman who anointed Jesus with expensive oil while he was at dinner with several apostles and others. The meditation describes the woman as someone filled with gratitude and love for Jesus. It was suggested that her life was changed by Jesus, […]

Grateful for Encouragement

Several people reached out to me after yesterday’s blog. Most are or were caring for their parent(s). Connecting with others helps to not feel alone, especially when they understand the difficulties. I find it so interesting that people suffering from dementia display such similar struggles, thoughts, and behaviors – regardless of their specific diagnosis. Caregivers […]

God Morning

As my mom’s dementia progresses, I feel like I have to be prepared for anything. Last night was my turn to “sleep” in her room with her. Thankfully, my sister and I trade off every night. Too early this morning, she started yelling for my dad. She sat straight up and said something happened to […]

Sister Relationship

Today is my sister’s birthday. Yesterday my mom picked out a cute card for her. I went out this morning and got her some flowers, sushi lunch, and Bundt cake. It was the best ways I could think of to celebrate her and appreciate her. She moved in a little over a year ago. It […]

Early to Bed

I woke up this morning with a bad headache. Could be all that holiday eating finally caught up with me. Could be stress. Could be both. I was grateful that my mom napped twice during the day. I have learned that when I’m tired, I need to lay down when she does. So I did […]

Who Strengthens

I visited a friend today who I hadn’t seen in too long. Her husband recently passed away, so we cried together and prayed together. But we also laughed together. I am so grateful for our deep friendship. Before I left, she gave me a mug with the scripture Phillipians 4:13, “I can do all things […]

Sweet Surprise

It was colder than cold today. The temperature was below zero, even colder with the wind whipping and the snow. Our friend decided not to come over today, which was a wise choice. We stayed in and layered up. I was surprised when Mom saw someone coming to the door. Sure enough, it was one […]