David was a devoted family man! He loved singing in the choir and he loved his church family. This picture was taken Palm Sunday 2007, with our best friend's daughter, Jillian)
David was diagnosed with Alzheimer's October of 2005. I started this blog the first of January 2009.
Over the years it's been comforting for me to post pictures and journal our journey as I reluctantly moved forward with this disease.
Here's the two books I had printed of Moving Forward with Alzheimer's .... for myself, our children and my best friend.
Each of you who've followed our story and given me words of wisdom and loving support have been a blessing to me! You were there for me when I needed you and it meant more to me than you'll ever know! Thank you!
The anniversary of David's death is almost here, October 5th. I've dreaded this anniversary more than any of the anniversaries. The memory of the weeks before his death are right now. Me, remembering the sadness our family and friends felt as we were watching him slowly leave us.
I'm feeling it's time for this blog to come to an end. I wrote and posted pictures hoping we could possibly help others traveling this journey. However, I discovered I was the one who received the blessings.....from writing this journal and most of all because of you!
David was my inspiration. He's whole again, no more Alzheimer's.....I rejoice that he's in heaven.
I'm doing well. I'm blessed with my children, grandchildren, best friends, church and pets...... what a blessing!!! God is good.....
The anniversary of David's death is almost here, October 5th. I've dreaded this anniversary more than any of the anniversaries. The memory of the weeks before his death are right now. Me, remembering the sadness our family and friends felt as we were watching him slowly leave us.
I still miss him so much, but
I praise God that he is now whole again!!
I'm feeling it's time for this blog to come to an end. I wrote and posted pictures hoping we could possibly help others traveling this journey. However, I discovered I was the one who received the blessings.....from writing this journal and most of all because of you!
David was my inspiration. He's whole again, no more Alzheimer's.....I rejoice that he's in heaven.
I'm doing well. I'm blessed with my children, grandchildren, best friends, church and pets...... what a blessing!!! God is good.....
I can't believe summer is over. It was fun spending time with our grandchildren...sewing on the sewing machine, teaching the girls how to crochet, going to the Alamo, swimming..... and now I'm enjoying football games with two of our grandsons.
I've started volunteering again like I did years ago......life goes on.
Pictures of all 9 grandchildren. David would be so proud!!
I've started volunteering again like I did years ago......life goes on.
Pictures of all 9 grandchildren. David would be so proud!!
Sarah learning to crochet. I have a hard time crocheting with two hands, she has one and does a beautiful job. Punky was helping her with the yarn.
Laura Anne practicing her crocheting.
Ellie, the artist in the family, donated her painting to be auctioned to raise money for children attending a Spina Bifida camp. The painting sold for $1,230.00, enough money to send 3 children to camp.
J.D. is 12 years old now....this is a picture when he was 6.
The girls having fun in the pool.
Our grandson and his girlfriend were named Homecoming Queen and King of their high school. He's the drum major of the band and also received a letter of acceptance from Texas A & M......A good year!
Our grandson, Andrew, has always danced to his own drummer.
Eric, our philosopher grandson, a student at Texas A & M.
Grandson, Cameron....on the Dean's List at the University of Houston.
I am blessed indeed.... thanks be to God~
I love you all....
Thank you for your friendship!
Love you!
D
36 comments:
Oh Dolores, you will be missed. But, I am glad to know that you are still moving forward and keeping busy with your family and friends.
You have a great deal to be proud of with the accomplishments your grandchildren are making and I feel they are so blessed to have you as their loving grandmother.
Please know that I will keep you in my prayers as you face this upcoming anniversary.
Take care.
Hugs,
Kim
Oh my sweet, sweet friend, I will miss you so much, specially that strength to go about the hardships life sent you. You will always be my inspiration. Yes, you're right you will be enjoying your beautiful family, as I can see you had a just wonderful Summer! All my love to you and always in my prayers. Please keep in touch by mail when you feel like it!
Many blessings and big hugs sweetie,
FABBY
Gee, I feel so sad...and yet I understand. God gives us the things when we need it...and then lets us know when we need something else. You've inspired me always...but I feel like I really learned something through your blog. To achnowledge and accept how we're feeling, then to keep moving, and then to count our blessings. You've taught me an invaluable lesson. And would love to have copies of the books if any way possible.
I love you from the deepest depths of my heart and soul my beautiful Aunt Dolores with the bedroom eyes!!!!
Your precious and adorable niece Laura
I am SO very grateful that God caused our paths to cross here in cyberspace. Those months when you were chronicling David's journey as he slipped away were such a source of encouragement for me. I'm not as far along in the Alzheimer's journey - with my mom - as you were; but I have been inspired over and over by your deep, abiding love and joy and peace. As things get harder for me in my situation, I will remember you; and even if you're not writing on this blog anymore, your words and pictures and example will still reach out and help me. Thank you. May God richly bless you in this next phase of your life!
I've enjoyed your blog and learning about your family,..you have been so honest with your feelings... Please stay in touch
I have loved reading your blog and seeing the pictures of your family. You are surrounded by so much love. Wishing you continued healing and peace.
God bless you Dolores! Time does indeed move on and Praise God that he does indeed give us the grace and strength to put the pieces of our lives back together. Thank you for being such an inspiration and blessing to me throughout the years.
Love,
Vikki
Oh my sweet, sweet friend - Dolores. May God be with you always. May He protect your wonderful family and your best friends. And may David know that you have come a long way in your pain over losing him. I think you are the nicest lady. I will truly miss you, your wonderful writing, your gorgeous pictures and of course, the love of your life - David.
God be with you, my dear...and with those that you love.
Susannah
Oh,contrare. Your blog has been a blessing for me and I am pretty sure for many others. You are great Dolores! David knew you would be ok. He knows your lonely without him but he is with you everyday, love you Jeanne
I'm in awe of you for binding your legacy for your family, and proud of you for moving on.Amber
Oh Dolores! I will miss you so much! I have learned so much from you. May God bless you until we meet one day in heaven. Biggest of hugs to you dear friend!
You and your family have inspired me to appreciate each moment, each connection, each friend. Your photos and words beautifully captured a love story that so many of us now carry in our hearts. May you be happy, healthy and peaceful, and know that love stories never end. Blessings. Paula
Thanks so much for blessing us with this blog. Will be thinking of you on this anniversary of David's death. When I was a widow I took comfort in knowing that my late husband did not have to go through that journey.
Yes, life does go on. When I find something new in my journey with my current husband's Alzheimer's, I am comforted that our LORD took you through this and He is there for me.
I love playing Words With Friends with you and cherish you as a wonderful social media friend.
Hugs and prayers,
Carol
Thank you sweet Dolores. You left an impression on me, you will never know what your words have meant to me. Thank you for being you!!! Please know that as this anniversary approaches, you and your family, are in my thoughts and prayers. We have that first anniversary coming up December 10 and I dread it terribly! These firsts bring sharp pains to the heart. Today my parents would have been married 49 years. I gave them a 40th anniversary party 9 years ago and couldn't shake the feeling that there would not be a 50th. Today is a difficult day. I have learned that sadly one must walk this path to truly understand it. There are other caring people that may care, but experience is required to understand some things. You have set the example and reminded me of what I already knew about how the path should be traveled as a Christian. Yes, God is still good, even through Alzheimer's. Thank you for that! Much love to you sweet friend! Big hugs and you remain in my prayers! I will miss reading your words but wish you the very best because as you always remind us, God is good!
Hi darling, what a blessing you've been to me in so many ways. I'll miss your posts, and you sharing your beautiful family. I'm glad you're doing what you enjoy. I wish you continues happiness, will be thinking of you this next week and those to come.. hope to hear from you off and on. fondly ~lynne~
I will miss you Dolores! But I understand you have many blessings in your family and friends. I can see how proud you are of the gorgeous family you have surrounding you. Great memories and David would be so proud of all of you, especially you!
Well Dear Friend, I can't say I wasn't expecting this...but I CAN say it saddens me to see you leave.
I'm so happy things are good for you! I want you to know how much I'll miss your "smiles"...and your strength.
Here's to You sweet lady...Enjoy your journey!
((((HUG))))
You you telling me you are quitting blogging? Oh how I will selfishly miss you.
I am sorry that it is the anniversary of his death. I know how much you loved him and he you.
Hugs and love, sandie
All of the pictures showed grandchildren you & David love, and you are still here to be involved with them, pray with them, rejoice with them. I know David would be happy & blessed with this, and if Heaven allows him to look down upon his family, he is happy. But really, he IS happy with the Lord, knowing all things work together for good for them who know Him.
Thank-you Dolores for sharing this journey with so many. You are real, uplifting, encouraging, and my friend. Thank-you.
I will miss your blog and your wonderful posts. In the beginning I stumbled into your blog while following your daughter's blog and just stayed. Thank you for sharing your life, the sad and happy.
You will be terribly missed, Dolores, but it's good that you're moving on. I am just glad that we can at least communicate by playing games:-) Take care. Your grand kids are so talented......Christine
You, Dearheart, will be missed. Please take care. So wonderful to see that you have begun to 'heal'. Please do reach out once in awhile and let me know how you are.
One never knows, God works in mysterious ways - maybe one day, we will meet.
HUGS
I am going to miss this blog and your wisdom.
May God bless you in your new endeavors and journey and may He grant you special peace in your heart.
I do have 1 question: How did the church directory come out?
Dolores, It's been good to know you and travel with you through this journey with David. We never want to travel alone through those dark times. I think you are doing well, and you have a wonderful family who loves and supports you! You stay busy and enjoy each and every single day. I think your blog helped many people who are going through the same thing as you did. It also helped you not to feel so alone. It's done it's job. I wish you the best that life has to offer. I wish you many happy times spent with your family and the blessings of Christ to give you peace and hope and comfort. I wish you "enough" of everything you need. God bless you, my friend!
I landed here on your blog today, I think to send you a hug.....
My Dearest Dolores,
I am so sorry to see you close your blog and believe me you will be deeply missed, however, I do understand. You have a lovely family and they give you love and support, what more can we ask. Yes, God is good. Can't believe it's a year already that David went to live with Jesus. I wish you love and happiness in what ever you do. Missing you deeply, Hugs...Lu
Bless you, Dolores, for sharing your life and your journey with David. It blessed me over and over again. I will never forget your ending each post with "God is good."
Anniversaries are definitely a challenge. October 5 is past and somehow I know that you honored it well.
Wishing you joy!
Oh, my! I'm shocked and will miss you but thanks for letting us know. Glad life is good. May we email?
Thank you for all your support over the years. Much love Jean
I awakened this morning thinking about ~~~ YOU! So glad I came back for a visit for I would never have seen the photos of these truly amazing grandchildren, yours and David's.
Life in Bend is flowing peacefully for which I am grateful.
Happy Holidays my dear friend.
Just sneaking in the back door (remember those old screen doors when they'd slam?) to say Happy Thanksgiving sweet friend and hope you are finding your path smooth and filled with flowers...
((HUG))
Merry Christmas dear friend!
hughugs
Oh, Dolores.....I will miss you. Have you considered starting another blog??? I pray you're well and happy and are rejoicing in the memories of all things David~
Your family is so beautiful. I'm sure they keep you busy. What blessings God has bestowed on you, my friend. My love....Carol xoxoxox
You can reach me at rosecreekcottage@hotmail.com
Oh my friend, I just wanted to send all my love and thoughts and many blessings from our Lord. I have the feeling you are just doing fine, because I always think: NO NEWS, IS GOOD NEWS! At least I hope so. If you ever come by your blog, here I am!
Luv ya!
FABBY
I'm kind of hit and miss with blogging, so I never saw this when you posted it. I was thinking about you and decided to click on your blog and see how things were going. I didn't know you had signed off. Beautiful grandchildren! Best wishes to you in the future.
Hello Delores, I think about you now and then. I hope you are doing well. Have a great summer.
Hello dear sweet friend Dolores,
I just happened to think of you and came to your blog and so glad I did, otherwise would of never known you were ending your blog. I wanted to comment you on your spirit, we should all be like you. You cared for your husband and were with him till the end. You are a fine person and I admire you. Wishing you a beautiful future with your lovely family, I will always keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Yes, David is safe and free of any health problems, he was a good man and a handsome one too. Forever your friend and sending many blessings...Lu
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