In my post last year titled "Losing Dad", I shared how we have cared for family members with Alzheimer's. Our family has seen a lot of it over the past 25 years or so: my grandpa, a couple of his brothers, my aunt on my dad's side and my dad himself. Unfortunately, it is also showing up on my mom's side of the family as her sister is now in an assisted living facility with the same diagnosis.
In December 2012, my mom voiced a desire to go see her sister, in Indiana. I made a mental note to see if we could get down there for a visit in January 2013. Then, the rough year with my dad started. There was no way they could both make the trip, and my dad did not want my mom out of sight. This December, on Christmas Eve, we moved my dad to a memory care facility. He is doing very well there, in his corner "office" with his name on the door, and mom is adjusting to visiting and taking care of all the paperwork that in involved in these situations.
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| My dad and three of the grandchildren. |
My mom's world has opened up a little since he was admitted. She made a trip to California, in February, to see my brother and his family.
Then, in April, we finally made our road trip to Indiana. We drove there and back in two days. It was amazing! The weather was perfect; the roads were fairly free of traffic and the company was great.
I have short arms, thus the hacked off sign. :-)
When we arrived at the care facility, Pat wasn't sure who we were. She looked at my mom and my mom told her it was Noreen. Then she looked at me and her face lit up like a beacon! I've been told, often lately, that I look like my mom, and Pat's reaction confirmed that!
This is mom and Pat after a 5 year absence from each other. This photo makes me tear up with happiness!!!
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Happy sisters!!
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Pat and me.
While in Indiana, we stayed with my cousin and her family. I haven't seen them in a lot longer than 5 years, so it was wonderful to catch up. No idea where life will take us next, but open to another adventure.
