If Alzheimer's Could Speak

What a beautiful analogy, I wish I could have had access to that for the past ten years. I lost my beautiful and loving wife March 18, 202l due to dementia. I did a lot of what that analogy stated, as we had 63 years together. That analogy would have helped me emotionally, during the 10 years I took care of her. I still miss her very much and am having a tough time with her death. I was able to have her home with through her last breath. That was I prayed for a GOD SENT BLESSING. No nursing home.

This is a poem i found when my mother’s 2 best friends died:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/665507/

Here is a link from a blog from one of Connect's members, Virginia Laken, @virginia72. For me, this added great perspective to the journey through Alzheimer's. Let me know your reactions as well.
https://us16.campaign-archive.com/?e=8d0cf3f7f7&u=fa305ab2b4fe73c3449903522&id=9c9be3e91f

Thank you for acknowledging my post. Writing helps me recognize my feelings and reminds me that I can ‘still do what I love to do…to write.’ If you have any suggestions for topics I’m always open. And I still am able to speak to groups regarding my situation. And thank you for the work you are doing.

Virginia Laken

It is interesting about her ability to still write. My husband, Bill, has cognitive issues but he still has retained the ability to write extremely well and does constant blogging. Of course he has major computer problems when he goes to post his blogs. And he is constantly trying new sites that promise to be easy and free (and turn out to basically be neither). He will ask for my help with his computer but if I ask him a question so I can understand what he is trying to do, or if I take longer than a minute of two trying to figure out what his problem is, then he gets angry and grabs the computer back. I really hate his computer lol! Family says to hide it but I figure his writing is more important than my hatred of his computer. He also has major problems with the TV remote but doesn't want to give it up. He will sometimes let me 'help' him with it. Since I'm not a big TV fan it doesn't bother me when a movie suddenly goes off or he can't figure out the sound or pause. Eventually he will usually find the 'right' button to push. Sometimes standing back and letting him do it is harder than stepping in and doing it for him.

@billchitwood Julie,

I'm sure that you are right about encouraging him to write, in spite of the frustration of using the computer. It is important to keep skills tuned up in order to maintain happiness.

I wonder if Virginia, @virginia72 has found a way to deal with computer frustrations?

I appreciate the thought that I could help, but in this case I don’t think so. I learned to type in high school and it was a great gift. I still type without looking at the keyboard and find it so much faster than handwriting of course. But I really don’t can’t think of what might help. I truly think the offer of transcribing his writing is the answer. Perhaps you could remind him that his words and wisdom are of the utmost importance and what his readers want ‘more of’. I know there are many many writers who never used keyboards, but preferred to handwrite their works and let someone else transcribe it . I would suggest going on-line and searching that question, I’m certain there are many many successful writers who handwrite their pieces. And then let someone else transcribe them. There is also the use of recording his words, which might comfort him to know they will be transcribed exactly, and or, saved. And of course it is important to assure him his words/writings are so worth being ‘heard’ by others, especially those who are afflicted. Tell him I would love to read of someone else’s journey, both to learn and to comfort me.
You can respond with your thoughts, questions, ideas. I would love to know how things are working out.

@hopeful33250 Teresa, I subscribed to Virginia's blog a while back. My mother dealt with both dementia and Alzheimer's in her slow slide. It is amazing to read Virginia's take on her world as it changes, and encouraging at the same time.

My applause to acknowledging how we each handle health and life challenges, and the willingness to share with others.
Ginger

I agree, @gingerw, Virginia's take on her world is amazing and encouraging.

@virginia72, I hope at some time, you can write about your resiliency. I wonder if this has always been a quality that you have had since childhood or is this something that you have developed as an adult?

My concern with my husband with Dementia is that one day, he won’t remember who I am.