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Family Alzheimer’s Story Part II

ByKathy Owen Updated on

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Talking about Alzheimer’s

This is the second post in my family Alzheimer’s story.

Good Morning!

Is everyone enjoying the weather where you are? We returned home yesterday from a quick trip to Arkansas and the weather was gorgeous. The sun was shining and the temp was in the 70’s….woo-hoo! Much better than the rainy weather while we were in Arkansas. The JTS and I took the opportunity to visit relatives while I was on Spring break.

A few months ago I shared a little about my mom and her illness. I really stepped out of my comfort zone with the Alzheimer’s story. I rarely share deeply personal things on the blog…or even with close friends. That’s just not me. But I wanted to talk about it and I’m glad I did.

Many of you shared your experiences with relatives or friends suffering from Alzheimer’s.

mom and great grandkids, family Alzheimer's story

This is my mom with her great grand boys. My mom doesn’t like to have her photo taken and even though I took my camera to Arkansas I didn’t get a photo of her. She never liked having her picture taken so I can’t bring myself to do it now. The photo above was taken in August of 2012 on a trip to Hot Springs, Arkansas.

mom with her great grandchildren in Hot Springs

Several of our family members rented a home on Lake Hamilton for a few days. We were having a reunion with our California aunt and cousins and their families. We only get together every few years.

mom and her great grandchildren in Hot Springs

So these photos are a few I have of my mom on my computer. She enjoys the grand kids as long as they don’t get to wild. Like that would ever happen, lol. You can see they enjoy being close to their great grandmother.

My mom’s leg (from the blood clot) is much better. Her appetite has improved also and she has picked up a little weight. She was way too thin. Hospice is still coming in every week and that is wonderful.

My dad has taken on the role of caretaker and is doing a great job of taking care of her. My dad does all of the cooking and he does laundry! This is a little out of the realm for a man in his 80’s who grew up with the woman doing all of the household chores.

He does get spoiled by his kids and grandkids who often stop by and cook breakfast or dinner for him and mom. Mom only wants to eat mashed potatoes and green beans for lunch and dinner. So that’s what she has. Lately she will have a little ice cream.

My dad gets her out of the house to go to the hairdresser and to Church on Sunday morning.

My dad and sister in Hot Springs

This is my dad and my baby sister. My dad is a sweetheart…..my sister…not so much (insert smiley face).

{If you missed the first installment of Stepping Our Of My Comfort Zone just click the “pink link”}

Later this week we have our monthly themed furniture makeovers and I have a cute project to share if I get it finished. I also hope to get up to my favorite junk shop if the weather and school work are in sync. I’m having junkin’ withdrawals.

My Mom’s Alzheimer’s Story continued here…The Birdhouses My Dad Built | A Farm Story

That’s all for now. Have a great day, Kathy

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Kathy founded the home decor blog Petticoat Junktion in 2011, where she shares tutorials on how to paint furniture and repurpose thrifty finds into unique home décor. Her DIY projects have been featured on the Home Depot Blog, Plaid Crafts, The Behr Designer Series, and in numerous magazines.

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10 Comments

  1. Marie@The Interior Frugalista says:

    I’m not going to lie, it is very hard to watch a woman who raised 7 children reduced to a shell of a person whose essence no longer exists. I’m glad to hear your Mom isn’t wandering or anxious. I love how she appears to still be engaged with her grandchildren and vice versa.

  2. Kathy Owen says:

    Yep, we do look alike! She’s the pretty one. She’s also 9 years younger than me. She’s the spoiled baby, lol. We have a great relationship.

  3. Kathy Owen says:

    Marie, Thank you for commenting. It’s good to know you can laugh at that stage of the illness. It must be very hard for you. So far my mom doesn’t wander and isn’t anxious. She sets in her chair all day and watches tv. Thank you for sharing about your mom.

  4. Kathy Owen says:

    Yes we do look alike and I love my dad too. He’s very special. Thank you for the comment.

  5. How sweet of you to honor her request to not take her picture even though you could get away with it if you wanted to.

    There is so much honor when you follow the rules or wishes of someone.

    My mother is in the beginning stages. It is nice to have online support. The computer age has done some bad things, but it lets so many people connect and share their stories.

  6. Kathy, your sister looks like you. I love your Dad!

  7. Marie@The Interior Frugalista says:

    Kudos to your Dad, a man in his 80’s taking on the role of caregiver. I know how much work is involved caring for someone with Alzheimers, especially when they start to wander and anxiety levels increase.

    My Mom is in Stage 4, the final stage of Alzheimers. Yesterday at her care facility the nurses told me her nickname is Supervisor Joan because she likes to walk up to them and tell them what do (even though it’s just garble that comes out of her mouth). I laughed and told them she had seven kids and so she’s just reverted back to taking charge of the nest! We had a good laugh.

  8. chris aka monkey says:

    thanks kathy for sharing i am glad your mom is better, and i can’t get over how much your sister looks like you..it is nice that your dad has a support system xx

  9. My FIL has this and it is very sad… thanks for sharing….

  10. Jaana Flaherty says:

    Thank you for sharing about your mother. My grandmother on my fathers side struggled with it, and it is one of my greatest concerns that one day it will hit my mother or myself, even though it wasn’t her mom. Weird, I know, but just a crazy fear. I hope and pray that they come closer and closer to a cure. I just started following your blog. Thank you for being so real about your life!! I will keep your mother in my thoughts and prayers.

    Jaana