Alzheimer's

what a vicious disease! My Godfather was a pharmacist and he owned two drug stores in Eau Claire WI. He loved doing what he did and especially helping people. I remember in the summer when I would go and stay with them one of my favorite things to do was visit Uncle Pete at his store. I was always in awe at how fast he counted pills and filled bottles, It was all done by hand back then. I remember after he retired and sold his stores he would still volunteer at 3 nursing homes filling their prescriptions. He was such a smart man and so generous. My family and theirs would go to a cabin together for a week every summer. Uncle Pete would always bring his Pharmacy bag. Whenever one of us kids would not feel well or if we got hurt we would always go to Uncle Pete because he always had something to make us better, at the very least a special ban aid.
Uncle Pete always took care of himself physically. He ate healthy foods, swam at the club 3-4 mornings a week and rode his bike every day, even on vacation.
Now Uncle Pete my Godfather is in a Nursing Home suffering with Alzheimer's. My Godmother, Aunt Marge was not able to take care of him at home anymore even though she tried so hard, She is now at the nursing home every day from 7:30 in the morning until 6 or 7 at night, Today I went to visit them, I don't know if my Uncle Pete knew who I was or not but his eyes lit up and I got a big smile.
Oh yes Alzheimer's is a horrible disease. A person can work hard to keep their bodies fit, be smart as a whip, make a great living and it just doesn't matter. The disease steals  away so much. The confused looks and the blank stares are the hardest. This disease not only steals from the patient but also from the families. My Aunt Marge is so affected by this. Right now she has no other life but being at my uncle's side day in and day out at the nursing home. She tried to be brave but I can tell it is really wearing on her as well. We try to gently persuade her to do things for herself, stay at home some, go shopping, something for herself but right now she feels her place is beside Pete. We are praying that as time goes by she will be able to spend a few less hours there.
Well this isn't a very pleasant post but it is something that I just need to get out. I am praying for my Godparents Pete and Marge and also for all Alzheimer patients and their families. Be blessed everyone and be thankful for what you have.