September is World Alzheimer’s month and, like so many others around the world, this cause holds a special place in my heart. Alzheimer’s may affect a single person in your family but its influence has a far wider reach and can ripple down to touch every single person in your family.
When I was young my parents split up and I would go stay with my dad on the weekends. He lived in the middle of nowhere and was a rancher, which means he was continually busy and worked from dawn until dusk. For a long time, he was a confirmed bachelor. His house was a wreck and he only ate steak, which as a kid I would spit out. I’m pretty sure he had no idea what to do with a little girl and, in return, I was lonely when I visited him. However, one weekend he brought home a woman named Bea. Suddenly, there was someone out there to keep me company, someone who would bake cookies, and clean my dad’s house. Someone who would watch over my dad when I was at school during the week.
Bea has now been in my life for more than 20 years. She has seen me through graduations, marriage, and births. She has come with my dad to visit when I lived in New Mexico and has visited me in Idaho Falls, too. She has shared my interest in history and photography, buying me my first antique camera.
The Signs Started
A couple of years ago, I started to notice that she would repeat things, but I chalked it up to getting older. I mean I forget things, too. When my dad started worrying I knew that there was a problem. The thing is she had some very clear days so it was hard to think there was a problem when I was so far away. But it soon got worse. She would forget where I worked, my youngest child’s name, even my husband. I think I took it hardest when she began to forget my kids. She loves being a grandma to them, and even though she may not remember their names all the time I believe she still feels that love for them in her heart when she sees them.
This is a hard disease for both the person and their families. It’s hard when they continually ask the same question, almost as if their mind is playing on a loop. It’s hard when they begin to need the extra care to keep themselves clean. When this disease was in the early stages, Bea would buy a crock pot or bread maker every time she went to the store. While she may not remember people sometimes, she knows exactly how many of those devices she has and will not part from them.
She’s still the same person.
She’s still the same person. We laugh and cry together. Somedays she’s clearer than other days. Some days she likes to sit the day away. Above all, she is still the person that comforted me as a child. Who was there for me as I grew, who helped soothe the arguments between my dad and me when we were both too stubborn to apologize.
The statistics regarding Alzheimer’s are staggering. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, one in 10 people 65 and older has Alzheimer’s. This disease hits us women the hardest, with almost two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer’s being women.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, one in 10 people 65 and older has Alzheimer’s… with almost two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer’s being women.
My story isn’t original or even anything special, but I hope it can open the eyes of some people who weren’t aware of how this disease can ravage a family emotionally. So I challenge all of you who have an hour to spare or even a few dollars to join Eastern Idaho’s 2018 Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, September 15, at Snake River Landing. I’ll be there and would love to walk and chat with anyone who comes!
I wish there was a cure for Alzheimer’s. I would love for my stepmom have all her memories back. I know the day will come when perhaps she will forget me and that will truly break my heart. I am pledging myself to help find a cure and I hope that I can help put a dent in Alzheimer’s.
Register HERE! Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Saturday, September 15th at Snake River Landing
Beautiful article. Our family lost my mother in the law the first of June to a two year battle with Alzheimer’s. It is difficult to find the words that express those times of suffering but yet also tender moments with her. We are joining in with this cause and THANK YOU for sharing your story!