On November 13, 2010 I gladly became the primary caregiver of my mother. She has Lewy Body Dementia, the second most common memory loss condition after Alzhiemers. I knew nothing about Lewy Body Dementia until I brought Mom to Indiana to live with me. My mother is a resident at the Waters of Covington, a rehabilitation center near our home. I would like to have her live with us but her care is more then one person can provide. The staff at the Waters fell in love with Mom immediately. She may be losing her memory and her ability to care for herself but she hasn't lost her sense of humor or her gentle grace. This blog is meant to be a journal of our days together.



On May 15, 2011 My Mother peacefully and fearlessly passed into the here after. Now I journey alone, yet not alone. I have a lifetime of memories.




Sunday, April 17, 2011

Changes Again

Mom choked at supper on Tuesday. I decided I was going home that evening instead of sitting with Mom. My work day had been especially stressful and ALL I wanted was to go home and have a quiet night at home. Instead, I spent the night at Mom's bedside. Kathy, my daughter,spent the night with her on Wednesday night. All Tuesday night all the next day and night she was very close to death. Thursday she was no better or worse. Friday was the same. Yesterday she was weak but alert. Today she was alert.

I tried to talk to her today about her condition. My pastor's wife suggested I tell her that it was OK to go. But Mom would have nothing to do with that. She closed her eyes and turned her head. When she tries ti talk to me it is nonsense. Kathy brought her a boombox and I have CD that either she gave me or we gave shared at one time or another. I have been playing them for her.

Tomorrow I go back to work. I am going to cut back my hours for as long as I need to. I have had heart pain for several days. I am going to listen to my body and do what I can to lessen the stress. I will be no good to Mom if I get down now. Besides it will give me mire time to spend with Mom.

- Linda Shumaker uses BlogPress from my iPhone

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