A beautiful sunrise on the Texas coast at Port Aransas.
Our best friends invited me to go with them to the beach for a few days.
I have so many wonderful memories of our beach trips! I was hesitant about going, not sure if I'd be the best of company.
However, the last two times at the beach, David's Alzheimer's was very evident. I must say, worrying about him falling or getting lost was not pleasant.
I'm glad I made this first step, thanks to understanding and caring friends! I had moments of sadness, but mostly I relaxed and had fun.
David has adjusted wonderfully!! He still listens to music and sweeps the porches and sidewalk. One day this week as I was leaving, one of the care takers was asking him to help her fold clothes.
I received the first call from AlzCare this week. It startled me when I saw the name on my caller ID, they've never called here.
David was upset, so they put him on the phone for me to try and calm him. It was late afternoon.....and David was experiencing
sundowning. This sometime happens to people with Alzheimer's; as the sun goes down they get agitated, restless and with David, belligerent. He experienced this at home too.
They put him on the phone, and thankfully I was able to calm him.
God is good.......!!!!
The picture below was taken February 2009.....
23 comments:
Dolores,
so happy that you were able to get away! What a blessing good friends can be during our most difficult days. I continue to pray.
Hugs,
Vikki
It takes most of us a while to accept that joy and sadness are one. The same with hope and fear. If we are human, we can't have one without the other. So after a while sadness reminds us of our joy, and fear invigorates hope, and they are all the same to us. I believe that only people who have suffered great loss come to understand this. You already know this because you have experienced suffering several times in your life. So let dreariness lead the way back to joy in its own way and time. Because they are both equally worthwhile to our souls. I love you for your wholeness and your humanity, and also for the parts of you that need to sleep. Laugh in your dreams, and cry in the morning. The universe needs both from you.
I am so glad you went away with your friends. You need things like this. I am also glad you were able to calm David. I watched Grey's Anatomy tonight and one of the wives on the show has Altzheimers and I burst out crying, worrying about my Joe getting it. I know that is irrational. We were away for 10 days but I am so glad to be home. Thanks so much for stopping by. I SO appreciate the support of my followers. XO, Pinky
What would we do without dear friends? I'm so happy you decided to go with them!
Those phone calls! I lived in fear of them....and for a while, they came nightly. Happily...and sadly, they no longer come, as Mom has pretty much lost her ability to speak.
I'm so glad you were able to calm David on the phone, Dolores. You are right: God is good!
xoxoxoxoxox
I'm so thankful to hear that things are going better. I can't even imagine how hard this must have been for you. It was nice to see you smiling.
:) Thinking of you both. Jenny
Great that they let David talk to you during that sundowning episode. Those episodes have happened to my husband and it's nice to know what they are and what you can do about them. Later they forget, but we don't.
So glad you could get away.
Hugs and prayers,
Carol
Oh I'm so glad that you got away. You are not one to mope and that is a good thing. What good friends to take you away. Looks as if you had mostly a fun and relaxed time. Between you and the Alzcare team, you do good work on David's behalf. Many blessings...
I'm so glad to hear that you were able to get away and enjoy time at the beach with your dear friends.
Also glad to hear that David is adjusting well.
How well I remember those phone calls and the sundowning too. What a blessing that you were able to calm David over the phone.
Hugs,
Kim
So glad you were brave enough to have a little getaway with your friends. You look marvelous! (She could be your sister, you look so much alike)
So glad you were able to give David some peace over the phone. Those times can be so stressful!
Oh dear Dolores, it looks like you had a nice time at the beach and I'm so glad you have such nice friends. My heart jumped inside of me when you said, that there was a little time of sadness too, but than you need to do the best in your behalf too, my sweet lady, as we all know David is well cared. Wonderful that David can come down from just lestening to your voice. Yes, God is good sweet lady, He's doing the best with both of you. I saw the show on Fox News sunday about Alzheimer, I don't know if you did. I got enlighted a lot about the desease and thought so much of you. Have a blessed weekend. Lots of hugs,
FABBY
Good for you taking your friends up on that trip...love that 1st photo....glad things are going well for David...
Hi Dolores - I'm so glad that you were able to get away with your friends to the coast. Must be refreshing, but I know you wished David was there... You still can enjoy yourself with friends. You NEED to. Some wonderful buddies you have there. What would we do without friends! I'm glad David is doing well in his new home and that you are able to calm him down on the phone. It's because he knows you love him and your voice is so beloved to him. Hugs!
I'm glad you got to get away for just a little while. sandie
I am so happy that you had some special days to just relax and reflect. I think about you having to adjust with David being in another place and I know it's hard but aren't friends wonderful? They just seem to know when we need them the most. I continue to be in awe of your grace and strength in dealing with all this.
Oh, its to know you can smooth his trouble with the sound of your voice. So many things we do not know about this disease. We thank you for sharing your story and I pray it will help someone that is facing these trials.
Thanking the lord he directed you to this wonderful place where David is well taken care of.
Keeping you in prayer.
I'm so happy to hear that you got away! It's so hard to think and worry 24/7 about a loved one. You must take care of your own piece of mind. Sound like David is adjusting well and hope you are too! Thank God for wonderful care givers.
Take care,
Tracy
How wonderful that you were able to get away with friends – and to the beach! I always find a trip to the shore so revitalizing. Sounds like David’s new residence is working out very well. It is a blessing that he is mostly content and that when a problem does arise the staff knows just what to do! Praise God!
Love the photos of your little get-a-way!! Hope you start doing this more ofter sweet friend! You look great and more relaxed!
God Bless Good Friends!
hughugs
I hope both you and David are having a good week. I so admire your ability to keep on keepin' on...we ALL could learn many many lessons from you! Love you very much! L~
You look happy, Delores. I don't know what's in your glass, but it looks refreshing. I'm glad you had a mini vacation, you deserve it. God bless you and your family!
I'm so glad you had a good trip...the ocean is a wonderful place to heal...sending prayers from TN!!!
I'm so glad you got to go away for a few days! You earned a nice rest.
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