November 7, 2007
The first Tuesday night of every month is Alzheimer's Support Group night. Ryan and I became involved in May and have been going once a month to these meetings. Our first time there was a milestone in the fact that I got to share all that was going on and then found out that I am not alone in what is going on...there are others that are dealing with the same issues. It has been an amazing forum for us and I look forward to going each month....there are many times that I wish it were more than once a month...
Last night was our meeting night and we went. We had nothing new to report...just going for support...maybe a few answers to questions. I didn't expect what I would find last night. We were starting the meeting when in walked a few new faces. Father and daughter...and the father was so overwhelmed by what was and is happening to his wife of 53 years. He is 77 years old and the primary care giver of his wife who is 75. She was diagnosed a few years back and is going through what my mom went through. At any rate this man....a gem of a man...told us his story and I thought of my step father Art and all that he did for my mom. He was the primary care giver to her..he had countless nights of no sleep because my mom would wander and turn on lights or do silly things that at the time made no sense...He gave up so much for her to stay at home as long as she did and for that I am so thankful. I guess I never realized just how much he did...He was kind and passionate and gentle...he took care of my mom as best as he could...no formal training..nothing ...just what he knew to do by instincts.
Words cant express how thnakful I am that he was there to care for my mom..I know that we have had our differences..but the one common thing that we share is a love for my mom and only wanting what is best for her.
So we had nothing to share last night ...but I learned a whole lot and God is tugging at my heart strings to really reach out and thank Art for all that he did and is still doing! He needs to know that I am grateful!!
