Melissa Ann Goodwin

Melissa Ann Goodwin

Friday, April 1, 2011

A is for Alzheimer's Sucks

I get to say this,because my mother passed away from Alzheimer's YESTERDAY. She first showed signs of the disease 10 years ago, with short-term memory loss and repetitive questions. It was a long, cruel progression, but at the end, she went quickly and peacefully.  I am sad today, of course, but I have been sad about this for 10 years now, and enough is enough is enough. Today I'd rather just tell you my Top 10 Reasons Why Alzheimer's Sucks:

10. Because the person's body can live on and on well after the mind has shut down
9.   Because it hurts A LOT when they don't remember who you are, even though it's not their fault
8.   Because you are both robbed of the joy of reliving shared memories
7.   Because it sure doesn't seem like their minds are in a "happy place" thinking happy thoughts
6.   Because you worry that you are going to get it too
5.   Because you are torn between wishing their situation would end and not wanting them to leave you
4.   Because you miss them even through they are sitting right there with you
3.   Because you can only hope that on some level they understand when you say "I love you"
2.  Because it's just not fair
1.  Because it's just not fair

7 comments:

  1. Stopping by to welcome you to the Challenge. So sorry about the loss of your mother. My mom also died this year, age 93, a few weeks before her 94th birthday. She always worried about getting Alzheimers but ended up having a couple severe strokes, yet her mind was sharp to the end. So I think that was a blessing for all of us.

    I look forward to more of your posts this month.

    KarenG

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  2. Melissa, I'm very sorry for your loss.
    It is horrible when someone you love (or anyone for that matter) has Alzheimers--for all the reasons you mention. :(
    Good luck with the blogging.

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  3. You have my heartfelt condolences. I am so sorry. I hope that you find some comfort and friends this month with all of us here at the challenge.
    Blessings...
    Edge of Your Seat Romance

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  4. Thank you all so much for the kind words. Look forward to reading your posts too.

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  5. I'm so sorry for your loss and I look forward to reading more of your posts throughout the month.

    I think your #4 sounds like the hardest of all to endure for 10 long years.

    Your mother is at peace now, I hope that brings you some peace as well.

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  6. Debora, I think you are right about #4...thanks for the kind words.

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  7. My condolences for your loss, Melissa. Alzheimer's is such a terrible thing for a family to endure, I'm very sorry.

    I look forward to reading more of your posts as we go through the month.

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