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I think everyone that has talked to my mom has commented on how good she's doing and how much her demeanor has changed since she's been here. I think her being around the kids and us has been really good for her and for them. The visit hasn't been without it's challenges, just a few minutes ago she told me she was going for a walk to use the payphone so she could call Jamaica to see if she's won her sweepstakes. It's the moments when she says things like that I have to remind myself that she's sick, and it's not her asking me those questions, but I'm trying to take it with stride. I've realized it's not worth arguing over, it's better just to supervise her and let her do what she needs to do, then she soon gets over it and forgets about it and she's back to my mom again. Since she's been here though, I'd say she's been 70% my mom and only 30% Alzheimers, which is a drastic improvement from when I was speaking to her on the phone. What is hard is trying to figure out a way to 'supervise' her without her knowing I am. That's the hard part, and my biggest fear. It's hard to know where the boundaries are. What is she ok to do? What is she not? She lives by herself, but I find myself being overprotective of her while she's here. She doesn't want me worrying about her either, she keeps telling me she's fine and she can take care of herself, and so far, she's been right. She hasn't forgotten anything that I've noticed since she's been here. She's been taking her medicine, eating, and has fixed herself up each day. She keeps up with my appointments, what time to get the boys and so far, seems like she's still doing just fine living independently. . .but then, the dreaded, I'm going for a walk, or the I'll be right back when we are in the store happens and I am reminded again of this disease.
I'll have to finish though, by saying overall, I think my mom is doing a lot better than many people have given her credit for. She's still my mom, and I'm so thankful for that each day now. I'll never take it for granted.
