Thanks so much for your sweet comments regarding the death of my dear friend, Jay.
Pope's loving and admiring eyes looking at Francie.
I'm reminiscing AGAIN...looking at the priceless photos I have of David.
I'm reminiscing AGAIN...looking at the priceless photos I have of David.
It's hard for me to believe that David's been at AlzCare for 8 months. He's in bed most of the time and doesn't appear to recognize anyone. The only words he might say are okay and thank you (still the gentleman).
I've heard people say so many times that Alzheimer's is the long good-bye. It truly is!!!!! David has shown signs of Alzheimer's for nine years and slowly, slowly he declines.
Eric and Pope opening Christmas presents.
Living with Alzheimer's is sad, stressful and scary at times. However, we've made sweet and special memories in the midst of this disease.
Matthew and Pope dancing at the beach house.
I don't have a particular schedule of going to see David. I go 4 to 5 times each week and I'm blessed with friends who many times offer to go with me.
Andrew and Pope having fun.
When I go by myself, I put the railing down on his bed and I lay next to him. I read, talk, listen to music, and yesterday I took my I Pad to show him pictures. I have hundreds of pictures of family and friends. I don't know if he sees or understands.....
as i said, "Alzheimer's is the long good-bye."
Sarah, Laura and Pope
I loved how the girls would climb all over him.
I don't have a particular schedule of going to see David. I go 4 to 5 times each week and I'm blessed with friends who many times offer to go with me.
When I go by myself, I put the railing down on his bed and I lay next to him. I read, talk, listen to music, and yesterday I took my I Pad to show him pictures. I have hundreds of pictures of family and friends. I don't know if he sees or understands.....
as i said, "Alzheimer's is the long good-bye."
Ellie and Pope looking at his Christmas present.
Jillian and Pope the day we got Casey.
I loved how the girls would climb all over him.
J.D., Sarah and Pope having pool fun.
God is good!!!!
20 comments:
Aunt D, I'm teary-eyed over the love of you lying next to him. So so sad but also so loving and sweet that you're able to do that. I just KNOW he feels your presence and your love. Even though Uncle David was a shy quiet man, he was also so much fun and fun-loving! Love you both so much Aunt D!! L~
Sweet, sweet photos. The tangle of legs, arms, knees and hearts... Blessed be the tie that binds comes to mind. Yes, God is good.
I also can't believe it has been eight months. So good that you chronicle these good memories on this blog. I keep learning from you to enjoy each day with my husband.
Hugs amd prayers,
Carol
Yes dear friend, it is the long goodbye!!! Sad, scary and stressful descirbes it well. I always want to reach out and hug you when I read your words, I understand what you are saying. You are wise to make all of the good memories that you can. You will not regret that decision! Treasure those wonderful pictures!!! The pictures that I have remind me that he was not always like he is now, and that is a priceless reminder!!!!! Last week I found video of Daddy's birthday 2 years ago. Admittedly I cried when i watched it, but I would not take anything for it!! He was walking around, talking to us and eating!!! Not a big deal to some, but Alzheimer's steals so much, it was a treasure to see him as he was!!!!! Big hugs to you my friend!!!!
Such wonderful pictures to keep such wonderful memories alive for you. Always saying an extra prayer and sending hugs your way...
I would lie next to my Joe too if I were in your positin......God forbid. Your love and devotion to david is inspiring. I wish it wasn't "the long goodbye". XOXO
This is so sweet Dolores!! As usual! Your posts are so heartfelt and always get right at my heart. The pictures are so precious. It is so nice to have those wonderful memories to look back on. You are so right, it is a long, slow, sad, but special goodbye. Praying for you and David! Hugs to you, my friend!
He knows in his heart you are there with him ...that is what matters
I love the first picture! I have it in one of my frames at the house :) love you!!
I found your blog while blog hopping. So sorry you are going through this. I love the pictures and am so happy that you have such beautiful memories. You will be in my prayers!
Precious, precious photos of Pope and his grandchildren.
I tend to think that on some level he does understand what you are showing to him on your I Pad and I have no doubt he understands the love you are sharing on your visits.
Always thinking of you xoxo...I can't believe it has been eight months!
Now that is a true loving GentleMan and folks could learn something from him. He took time with his children and grands.
Keeping you and yours lifted up in prayer.
The long goodbye - I can't or don't want to even think about something so sad - and you have to live with it every day. (((HUGS)))
David was a wonderful grandfather Pope, and the children seem to adore him. Memories are priceless sweet friend and that, NO ALZHEIMER can't take it away from us...as "ALL we've danced in life"! Thank you always for sharing these adorable, lovable and loving photos of your dearest family. Thank you for your lovely and sweet comment on my fallen buffet, lol.. Have a blessed rest of the week dear Dolores.
Luv ya,
FABBY
Dolores,
I experience mixed emotions here at your blog. I am sad for you and everything you are going through but at the same time it's so delightful to see all the younger pictures of David in happier days. Like just now I saw a little Casey and thought, hey the dog was tiny here, then read your caption and it was interesting to see David holding his new little puppy, I loved it and all of his pictures. After reading your blog for all these months, I am beginning to feel like family, wish I lived closer to you and I would also take you to see sweet David.
Prayers for the two of you....Lu
The 8 months must seem very long and this disease endless. David is still here in body, and I want to believe ( surely this must be so ) that some part of him, deep in his heart and love for you, he does know you are lying next to him as he is wandering through the fog.It seems no comfort, but hopefully will be, he will know and remember you perfectly in eternity. The photos show the David you love, in good times.Made me smile, then sad, but also happy you have them to remember, REMEMBER !
Loving all the photos sweetheart...
(((((((HUG))))))))
I remember you wanted to keep him home for Christmas and he moved to Alzcare shortly thereafter. I know you recently posted that you thought you could take care of him yourself until the end, but I really don't know how you managed to do it for as long as you did. You have done such a wonderful job of making sure David is well cared for. It certainly is the long good bye.
You were so good about taking pictures over the years and now you can relive those good moments over and over again.
You really did create sweet and special family memories, Dolores. Both you and David are both parents and grandparents. Keep making memories!...Christine
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