05.25.09
Posted in Alzheimer's at 2:30 pm by Karen
Wow. I got a call yesterday morning….at 1:15AM. I was fast asleep. My Mama was so upset. “Karen…what am I going to do? I woke up and my pajamas are all wet. I don’t know what happened. I have them soaking in the sink, but what will I do with them?”
“Mama….don’t worry. I’ll get them later and take them home to wash them. Can you go back to sleep now?” “Back to bed? I got dressed! Isn’t it day time?”
“No Mama…it’s the middle of the night. Can you go back to sleep?” “Oh my God….well, OK…I guess I’ll sleep in my chair.”
More calming down on my part….then of course I couldn’t get back to sleep. I was picturing the end of assisted living…..diapers…..no bladder control….nursing home…..wondering how to deal with her wet bed.
I was there by 7:15, expecting the worst. I walked in to find Patsy the aide in there with Mama….having a normal morning….her bed was made….there were NO wet pajamas in the sink, or hanging up in the shower….they were bone dry…as was the bed.
Huh?
Mama and I talked, and she told me that she had a bad night, filled with bad dreams. I asked her if some of them were about wet pajamas in the sink? Nope!
Lucky for me, my husband ALSO heard my phone ring at 1:15 and listened to my end of the conversation, or I’d be questioning MY sanity!
So is dementia just a dream state? An alternate reality? A parallel Universe?
No answers. Lots of questions. I can only wish my Mama “sweet dreams” with a lot more conviction now.
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05.22.09
Posted in Alzheimer's at 3:05 pm by Karen
It’s been a while since I’ve written here…..and I’ve missed it. It’s very good therapy. It’s 6:45am, and I just got my morning call from Mama….”Karen, I don’t know who I am, or where I am, or why I’m here, and I’m so scared.” “Mama….can I tell you something? I promise, your mind will clear up in a little while, and you’ll remember that you’re at NHC Place, where you’ve been for 4 years.” “I’ve been here for FOUR YEARS?? But who pays my rent, and can I afford to live here?”
This is where I have to do a little acting. “You and Daddy saved a lot of money and yes, you can afford to live there, you’re fine.” This used to be very true of course…..4 years ago, and before the stock market took a dive. The truth is, there is now enough of my Mom and Dad’s money to last about another year and a half, if things go the way they’re going now.
This is a real test for me…..do I succumb to the ways of my upbringing….where you go into fear and panic mode and assume the worst?? I always feel myself start to slide down that path….it comes so naturally! AND, the truth is….I’ve spent years learning another path….a much healthier path! So I’ll share my favorite affirmation here….”Unlimited blessings come to me from unexpected sources, clear and free….effortless and easily, here and now.” And I’ll keep writing those wonderful songs, and I’ll continue to pay my wonderful songpluggers, and I’ll keep buying my lottery ticket….and I trust that should my Mama outlive her money, which I fully expect, that I will be able to take excellent care of her, and my family as well!! And sometimes, when those boogie men come calling, in the form of fear and negativity, I will drown those suckers out with my affirmations…..and an occasional Margarita, which I have found to be extremely helpful as well!!
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