I say POOH when I
read reports about eating properly and exercising to stave off Alzheimer's...... double pooh from me.
It is what it is.
(Good times at the beach)
David treated his body as a temple. He was so healthy and took care of his body by exercising 5 or 6 days a week..... He ate lean meats, a lot of vegetables and fruits. He didn't smoke and had a beer once in awhile.
(the 4 of us)
He took one day at a time and didn't worry about 'things' like I do......he kept his mind active by reading, music and math.
read reports about eating properly and exercising to stave off Alzheimer's...... double pooh from me.
It is what it is.
David treated his body as a temple. He was so healthy and took care of his body by exercising 5 or 6 days a week..... He ate lean meats, a lot of vegetables and fruits. He didn't smoke and had a beer once in awhile.
He took one day at a time and didn't worry about 'things' like I do......he kept his mind active by reading, music and math.
I knew David's Alzheimer's would progress, but I never let my mind go so far to think of him in bed or in a big recliner chair all the time. I never thought he would need to be fed.
(with best friends at the beach)
Silly me, I suppose I thought because his body was so healthy, it would stay that way......
(David and his dad at the beach)
I wish David didn't have Alzheimer's!
However, because of it, I've learned so much about the faithfulness and love of family and friends.
I've learned to better appreciate the small things in life.
(David, our son and grandson)
God is good...... HE's given me a gift that I appreciate so much. It may sound 'hokey'......but when I'm feeding David, it feels like a 'holy' time, that's the only way I can describe it..... a sacred or holy time. This is a gift to me.
(David and granddaughter)
Yesterday when I was leaving..... I told him I loved him and he said, "be careful." The caregiver said, "did you hear what he said...." Yes, I did, another gift for me!!!
Silly me, I suppose I thought because his body was so healthy, it would stay that way......
I wish David didn't have Alzheimer's!
However, because of it, I've learned so much about the faithfulness and love of family and friends.
I've learned to better appreciate the small things in life.
God is good...... HE's given me a gift that I appreciate so much. It may sound 'hokey'......but when I'm feeding David, it feels like a 'holy' time, that's the only way I can describe it..... a sacred or holy time. This is a gift to me.
(David and granddaughter)
Yesterday when I was leaving..... I told him I loved him and he said, "be careful." The caregiver said, "did you hear what he said...." Yes, I did, another gift for me!!!
(Good times)
32 comments:
Hi darling, well said. Like you I never thought I would see the day Mr. P sit in one spot, having to beg him to eat. It is what it is, easy it isn't.. we have to endure this for a reason. I question that on a daily basis. I take each good day and cherish those, the bad days I get through.. hugs to you my friend and your strength..
hugs ~lynne~
You are a gift... I love what you say about feeding David, it being "holy" time. There is a sacredness about caregiving. I am weepy today...on the fringe. I feel so darn angry about what this disease does to people. It seems so horrendous to think that David took such good care of himself and he could do nothing to stave off this monster.
Today was shower day for Betty and when I suggested it she just broke down in tears. This is what these wonderful people deal with. I hate it!
Your man has a smile in almost every picture..can I assume he smiled a lot?! It makes me smile when I see all of the wonderful pictures of David, you and your family. Such love and warmth. Thanks as always for sharing!!
So glad I was online when your post came through ... I also felt the way you do as you feed David. Spiritual in a way that felt close to religious. AND I also agree with you about diet, exercise, etc, etc. If you are genetically programmed to get this hideous disease, you will. I firmly believe that. I wish you a good week .. find something fun to do!
You certainly have cute grands and a beautiful family. How nice to have another gift of David's thoughtfulness..."be careful." There are so many things to treasure and you are so good to share them with us. Blessings this week...
I too say pooh to that as well, I know several people just like David that took care of themselves and they had health problems. You read, folks that have never smoked or been around people that did have lung cancer. I have to believe that everything is the Lords be it so painful and I know how painful it can get. Just like in the Lord's Prayer, "Thy Will Be Done" on earth as it is in heaven. Folks look to those that are going through difficult times to see if GOD is with them. We as a society have to see it in order to believe it. So know that many will see you and see the LORD working with you and just maybe you will be able in some way to restore someones faith or bring someone to know Christ.We all as believers will go through difficult times but as a believer we are promises HE will be with us and give us grace and strength. I too am not without trials but the Lord is glorified during and in the end. GOD's Peace, Grace and Love be with you!!
I pray he will continue to give you those special moments and gifts with David.
What an absolute beautiful post!! I love you! L~
Yes, POOH! I think there is so much that we don't know about Alzheimer's that scientist/doctors make stabs at what could possibly help. It's too late when the diagnosis is made to make a 180 degree turn at that point. The path is set and it's so important to use those days to the best of our abilities.
Hugs,
Beckie in Brentwood, TN
I don't blame you a bit, Dolores . I would be questioning so many things! Your time with David sounds so very precious. I'm glad you feel the way you do.
Your pictures are wonderful!
Beautiful family pictures, Dolores. You always inspire me with your uplifting posts despite what you are dealing with.
I think I can somewhat relate to how you feel when you are feeding David. I had similar feelings at times with my mom.
As far as the diet and exercise... I will chime in with a loud POOH too :). As time goes by it is becoming clear to me that while it is always wise to take good care of our bodies, there are no guarantees. Appreciating and enjoying the moments is what I try to do now.
POOH says it all. What a blessing you are to David , your family and us.
Vascular Dementia, which David doesn't have, is a dementia that can be avoided by lifestyle choices.
Your blog is such a wonderful photo album of your life. Glad that David said those words to you.
Hugs and prayers,
Carol
Love his smile in that last picture - looks like a gentle giant, sandie
Great post! I totally get what you are saying. I have been thinking the same thing lately! Love that quote! Such a good, needful reminder! Praying for you! Hugs!
Stacey
feeding a loved one, one spoon at a time, is holy.
It is what it is has become my mantra now.
Love the photos Delores...
Also, I was reading about a report that was done at UC Berkley about the use of Coconut oil (cold pressed).
For use on patients with Alzheimers...The Dr whose report I listened to said he gave his mother 2 tablespoons of it daily. Recognition came back to her at almost 50%. The family was thrilled. He said big pharma squashed this little tid-bit!
He said she passed a month later but they were thrilled she remembered them again...
I'm not saying this is a cure all but if I didn't tell you about it, I'd feel awful...
Use it or not...Loving you...
I agree...a childhood friend of the family got alzheimers...she was a healthy eater...very intellegeant...non smoker...smart...artistic...loved music..loved to read..active...but it hit her fast and hard..within a few years she was gone...
I have followed your blog for quite sometime. My Dad was diagnosed about three years ago. You have no idea how much your positive attitude has helped me. I had to post today because I could not agree with you more. Alzheimer has effected so many in my Dad's family, so he did all the right things. Crossword puzzles, reading, spoke three languages brilliant man. Now he doesn't recognize me. So sad. God Bless
My friend died and she was healthy like your hubby and took care of her shape. She died of Pancrea cancer. I mean that is a horrid disease. I say Pooh what Doctors keep saying ot whoever says that. About Alzhimers. .
My Mom was a person who ate healthy and walk, walked. My husbands one Grandmother did not watch herself what she ate healthy. She sat mostly after her Grandchildren came and she lived to be a 100. Never having any high bloodpressure or any illness.I am happy that you got another little extra word from him and your feeling of being part of his life feeding him. A faithful wife indeed you are.
Loves to you.
There is no telling, being healthy doesn't stop this horrible disease. I sure hope they discover how to stop it....such a horrible, horrible thing. I am so glad you have all these wonderful pictures to match your memories.
I am so happy you talked to you again. He worries about you too.
I say POOH too! My Dad kept his mind active. He read and continued trying to work well into his 80's. All that stuff they say about doing crossword puzzles and keeping the mind active...double POOH. They said my mom had Alzheimer's, but I really think she had regular dementia and not Alzheimer's, but she loved crossword puzzles and often would complete the ones in the NY Times. I think if it's going to happen...it's going to happen.
I love your wonderful photos and your positive attitude.
Oh Delores, I know exactly what you mean about feeding David being a holy time. I have been with 7 people now when they ahve died and have always felt it a privelege and a truly holy time as well. He is STILL loving and considerate, "be careful"!!!! What a blessing and gift for you. You are so strong. You inspire me so. XO, Pinky Thanks for sharing all the BEAUTIFUL pictures of your David.
What a lovely post, Dolores. David is a real sweet guy. I know what you mean about being health conscious. Sometime, you wonder if we should practice it or just eat what we enjoy. Look at Atkins who had a heart attack at an early age.....Christine
My mother in law is in the early stages our doctor thinks. I dread what is ahead for her as she is like your husband and loves life to the fullest. We however will be here for her and that is all we can do at this point. A terrible waiting game but I agree with your positive attitude. I want her to live life as much as she still can.
Hi Dolores - I know there are different kinds of dementia. Tony's dad was overweight, had high blood pressure, had his first heart attack at 31, bypass surgery, diabetes and until his dying day at 81 - he never had dementia. Tony's mom was the health nut in his family and here she is with Alzheimers. All the things that are said to cause it his dad had, and his mama should not have been the one to get it. You just never know.
I know of which you speak - that "holiness", that almost sacred feeling you get when doing those things for David that he can no longer do for himself. I've felt that, too. It is something that you can't describe to others, and something that you're glad that it's you that is feeling that. I feel selfish about that feeling sometimes. Does that make sense? What a nice gift he gave you to "take care". Just a little peek into his heart...
Such gorgeous pictures with such beautiful family!! You and your daughter are gorgeous, such pretty Lizes the two of you..and of course the darling grands. I'm sure David was very proud of his beaautiful family and he..so very handsome, wow! Yeah, we never know what's ahead for us; my dad was a health freak with food and excersise and died with an instant heart attack to the meocardyum at 78!!..go figure! Just our Lord knows why and til when, meanwhile we feel so blessed to have our dearest loved one to hold, care and kiss always! Luv ya.
FABBY
Delores, I'm catching up on your blog tonight, and it's one of those nights for me like you describe missing David. I needed to read this and read you verifying your blessings. Some days it's really difficult to keep my chin up, and I know you must feel the same. I love seeing the pictures of you and David and family enjoying the good times. Not only are you blessed, Delores, you are a blessing - to David and many others. Take care, my friend.
kathy
I say pooh on all of it after the fact..who in the world knows?? My dad died of lung cancer at the age of 85...well, he quit smoking (cold turkey) at age 42...all they (doctors) could say you should never have smoked etc.etc.etc....I just don't think it had anything to do with it and if it did what difference did it make...just made my dad feel bad. Sometimes..I swear!! Ha!....keep up the good work...loved Andel's comment...you have touched so many..xo
I'm right with you on this one, Dolores. Doing all the right things does not keep you from getting Alzheimers. I don't think anyone knows any answers, they just keep trying to figure it out. God bless you and God bless David.
You are my hero.
Love, Rebecca
Oh Dolores! This is such a wonderful post and so encouraging! I love that God has so worked in your heart that you are thankful for the small things. Praise His sweet name!
I very much understand when you say that you see it as a holy time when you are feeding your husband. I've felt that many times as a caregiver as I serve my husband and Alice and have pictured myself serving Jesus instead of them.
And I say DOUBLE POOH! My mom walked miles every single day until she was 82 and came to live with us. She cooked for all of us from the American Heart Assoc. cookbook because of my dad's heart disease. Those findings are just wrong.
And oh, yes.....feeding David being a sacred time! Feeding mom those pureed meals was my gift: my only direct interaction with her. I miss that part.
God is there with you through this, Dolores. You are strong and loving, exactly like David is. I pray that He continues holding you both in the palm of His hands~xoxoxoxoxoxoxox
I am so glad to hear you say POOH to all that. None of it makes a skerrick of difference. You either get it or you don't, healthy or not, marathon runner or couchie.
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