In honor of Alzheimer’s awareness day today, I’ve embarked on a quest to find silver linings… a little light in a dark cloud. As family and caregivers, we learn that connection is precious and rare for those who struggle with ALZ. But with love, patience and creativity, we find it.
When my grandma was really sick, she began to hallucinate. She thought there were children in her garden and on her street that were breaking things and tormenting her. Because I was a child, I would “speak with the children” while she listened. She could only hear my end of the conversation where I would laugh and respond playfully, and then I would assure her they were friends and didn’t mean any harm. Others tried to comfort her by telling her the children weren’t real, but by joining her experience, it helped her to feel safe and comforted. And that gave me precious time to visit on the porch with my grandma in peace. Greyson
Visting with my mom recently, she mistook me for her sister Alice, who died of ALZ in 2019. Mom remembered that Aunt Alice had moved from Michigan many years ago and we talked about Florida. I didn’t correct her or remind her that her sister had died. I simply let her share memories and enjoyed the conversation. I trust that the visit with my Aunt Alice brought mom a lot of comfort. Renee
As my grandpa’s Alzheimer’s advanced, he believed with all his heart that he had found a "really shallow spot" in the ocean that would take him home to England. To him, England wasn’t just a place; it was a symbol of his identity, childhood memories, the food, the smells and family. My uncles would get out a map and explain to him that it was impossible, maybe in hopes that he would no longer disappear. My grandpa would simply point to a spot and say “righttttt here” which we all thought was pretty funny. His determination to find his way back to England, even when the disease had taken so much from him, was a powerful reminder of his strength and the deep connection he felt to his past. In those moments, I realized that no matter what Alzheimer’s took from him, it could never erase the love and memories we shared. Despite everything, there were still glimpses of the grandpa I knew and loved. Sara
Alzheimer’s stole my mom and my Aunt Mary. Now she’s lurking near my sweet Aunt Gerri and my friend Carol, affectionately known to many of us as “Granny”. ALZ is a dark cloud that has taken up residence in the background of my life and many others. But we can shine light through the darkness as we continue to share connection, comfort and peace.
Have you found special ways to connect? We’d love to hear your stories.
My family and many friends will be walking in the Tampa Walk to End Alzheimer’s on October 19 in honor of those we’ve lost and who are suffering. Please reach out if you would like to join us or find your own local walk click HERE.
Wishing you and your loved ones comfort and peace,
Brigitte
