Wellness

[abbycat]

I live in a 2nd floor condo. Below me is a Greek family ... mother, father, and 40 year old son. The mother has an advanced case of Alzheimers and they are taking care of her themselves. The son has his mother outside right now in her wheelchair and he must have said at least 20 times, "you are outside." This is heartbreaking to me. My own father died of Alzheimers 10 years ago and the pain of watching your loved one slip away and just lose all identity of who they once were is excruciating. They take her out to eat every day .... they can barely get her in the car as often she refuses and also refuses to get out. She's in diapers and can no longer walk at all. She has "that look" in her eyes and face ... those of you who have been through this know what I mean.

It's so sad watching these 2 men take care of her, but I believe they would have it no other way. I think it may be cultural, but that's merely speculation on my part. I know with my own father, it would have been untennable to keep him home .... I admire these two for their strength and fortitude, but I also know what it does to the caretaker. It often just leaves them weak, worn out, and thin.

My prayers are with these folks.

abby