IT IS WHAT IT IS
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 only 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 only 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. A gift to me.
(David and granddaughter)
Yesterday when I was leaving..... I told David 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. A gift to me.
(David and granddaughter)
Yesterday when I was leaving..... I told David 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)
19 comments:
Continued prayer for you. It is so difficult....the grieving process. It seems there are times when life goes on as normal and than it suddenly hits~that sense of loss that nothing can seem to fill. I am so sorry. Sending love and hugs.
Vikki
Vikki's words were perfect. Grief is so hard because of those unexpected times that grab us with sadness. I know you miss him terribly. What a gift he was to all of us. I love you so much Aunt D!
I like what Gandhi was saying there and it is so true.
What beautiful memories you have of your dear David.
Can i ask you if he was diabetic? I heard that AG went along with that.
He was lucky to have you too.
sandie
Dolores, you have many precious memories and a wonderful family. You were both blessed and you both still are.
How's the church project coming? There are rumblings at our church so I think of you every time.
Hi Dolores, Your feelings for David will never ever leave you but it is the sudden thought that ..oh, no......he is gone. You have prescious memories. But, still....that does not cover up the hurt you feel.
What are you doing to keep yourself very busy?
Blessings,
Susannah
Hello sweet Dolores!
Your pictures are so lovely, they pour LOVE from them, as I look at all your happy faces, specially yours! You have a beautiful family and you are blessed my darling. Dear David does look like the kind of man that took care of himself; but sometimes, we humans beings can't explain ourselves the designs, or plans of God. My father was a man who took care of himself just like David did, he even used to do 80 push-ups every morning and was in great health..than one morning, 16 years ago, he died of a massive heart attack to the myocardial at 77..go figure! Didn't drink or smoke, either. Oh sweetie, I always keep you in my prayer; keep strong.
Love,
FABBY
Dolores, I think of you often these days, especially as my mother's Alzheimer's seems to be speeding up in its progression. :( I want you to know how much I appreciate your joyful spirit and "attitude of gratitude" even in the midst of great pain and difficulty. I truly mean this when I say that you are an inspiration to me! Thank you!
It is sad that we seem to have to cast blame on the infirm for their health condition, isn't it? As if in doing so we can rest assured we won't be getting Alzheimers, or any other illness or disease, or maybe we can disassociate ourselves from compassion and care because the person deserved the disease...either way, I agree with you Dolores.
David was a fine, honorable, and beloved man who loved (s) God and his family. You and your family are a testament to this. It was good to read this post again and remember him. I am so sorry he is not with you in the here and now anymore.
I love David's smile :)
“What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity. These are but trifles, to be sure; but scattered along life's pathway, the good they do is inconceivable.”
― Joseph Addison
A great post to share with awesome photos...I think about you often..what a strong lady you are
You are SO Blessed to have been given such a special gift...
((((HUG))))
Dolores, I say pooh to that along with you. My Jim's physical health was excellent but it did not deter the dementia. Like you, I never thought that far ahead, I did worry if the time ever came that he would not know who I was and that time came. Dementia is heartbreaking, we know don't we? I have passed the one year mark. I can't say the overwhelming sadness and lonliness is better, only that life goes on. Just this morning I saw Glen Campbell's daughter on the news. She was speaking to the congress to ask for funding for research. Before they can find a cure, they must find the cause and they have not found that. I think of you often. Take care dear friend.
Blessings to you. Mary
Sweet Delores,
I understand so well those unexpected moments of pain. We're blessed to have had the loves we had. We both know that our sadness and pain will lessen as time passes, though it will not rob us of the precious memories we have. I am so grateful for that for on the difficult days, the most painful it's the memories that keep me strong.
I think of you on my good days, and more on the harder ones, remembering that we both lost our husbands in the same month. This post was so beautiful, so full of love, courage and an amazing faith. May the Lord be ever with you. May you always experience the warmth of His love, the honor of His presence, and the tightness of His embrace.
I say pooh to the advice about exercising the brain with puzzles, reading, etc. My mother used to finish the New York Times crossword puzzle! My Dad read and worked up into his 80's. If it's going to happen...it's going to happen. I'm convinced.
I forgot to mention we knew a lady who was always trim in figure, active with her friends, family, & church, volunteered in Peace Corps...in other words, a very intelligent, active, healthy woman, who succumbed to Alzheimers'. I hate it that we are so quick to attribute a disease to a lack of some sort in the afflicted, enabling us to feel smug in telling ourselves it was their ( the person afflicted) own fault. Yet I think it gives some of us a quick comfort from thinking we might ourselves fall to this, or any other , dreaded affliction.
I hope you're well Dolores.
I guess life is always sprinkled with joy and sadness. You bring so much joy to your readers who are sharing your journey with thoughts and abundant pictures. Thanks for reposting.
What are your favorite songs or hymns, Dolores? Currently I love "Already There" by Casting Crowns. We heard this song live at the Plant City Strawberry Festival. The LORD is already there with everything we face and will be there to the end.
Hugs and prayers,
Carol
These photos are priceless,, Dolores. I am so sorry you still get sad. I know it is to be expected every now and then but I am also glad you know how blessed you are. Think positive and don't allow depression to park in you.!...Christine
Hi Dolores - good to hear from you. I've been away as you've probably noticed.
I say POOH on that, too. My MIL was like your David - always took good care of mind and body and she got Alz. My FIL did everything wrong and he was just fine. Those scientists and Drs just make educated guesses - they do not know as much as we think they do.
Thank you for remembering my sister Lisa in prayer. I believe she has done so good this week because of all the prayers going up for her. God is so good!!!
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