Thursday, August 9, 2012

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.


11 comments:

~Sara said...

It is so hard to watch and be part of. Sending hugs. ~Sara

Trace4J said...

Morning Friend
I too am sending you a big hug.
Lifting you and your family in prayer.
Blessings
Trace


www.grannytracescrapsandsquares.com

Primitive Stars said...

Hello Cindi, my heart is heavy for you, that is so hard on family. Sending a big hug and prayers for you and yours. Blessings Francine.

Pendleton Primitives said...

Oh yes, I know all to well having dealt with loved ones and also when I volunteered at the nursing home back in Texas. I'm very sorry this has struck your family but it is good that you visit, deep down he knows you are there. Praying for better days ahead.
~Christina

Tammy ~ Country Girl at Home ~ said...

Cindi,

That is a terrible disease because it's so hard on the family! I'll pray for Uncle Pete and his wife.

Hugs to you,
Tammy

BumbleBeeLane said...

I worked on a specialized unit for 6 years.Yes it's so hard when the person you loved your whole life forgets who you are and loses their most treasured memories.Big Hug for you!~Amy

frontporchprims said...

This post makes me cry because it is so true. Before my husbands Great Grandmother passed, she had it too. Every time we would go to visit her she would ask what happend to Viola, her daughter. We had to tell her she died. Great Grandmother would then cry......and a half hour later ask the question again.....and cry. It was awful to watch. My grandmother didn't even know her own daughters before she passed. I just cry at the thought of having to deal with a husband that has this. Lots of tears here hu? Well, I cry easily anyway:)
Have a happy weekend friend. -Steph- p.s. your giveaway is going well:)

Simple Pleasures said...

Cindi,
I can relate as my mom has it to, just not that bad...yet. Hugs to you my friend.
xoxo

Anonymous said...

nice post thanks for sharing...i found you thrue other followers looking for to visit more...blessings from holland

jody said...

yes, it is an awful thing to have a family member or friend suffer from this desease..thinking of you and your family!

Kim said...

Cindi, this post certainly struck a chord with me. My Mom has had this horrible disease for about 8 years. With the help of family I have been able to keep her at home so far. But everyday is a struggle and I am not sure how much longer I can do it. I look at her, so blank and distant and remember my "other" Mom, so vibrant and smart. It is a heartbreaking disease.
Hugs, Kim