Re: How To dance In The Rain/Alzheimers [4 Attachments]

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Thank you for sharing some of your memories, Anne.It means a lot to me personally,love, Kate How To dance In The Rain> > To: "MSers Life egroup" > > Date: Wednesday, September 1, 2010, 7:07 AM> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > How to Dance in the Rain > > > > > > > > It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman > in his> > 80's, arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb.> > > > He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am.> > > > I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it > would be> > over an hour before someone would be able to see him.> > > > I saw him looking at his watch, and decided, since I was not busy> > with another patient, I would evaluate his wound.> > > > On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the > doctors, got> > the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound.> > > > While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another> > doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry.> > > > The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home> > to eat breakfast with his wife.> > > > I inquired as to her health; he told me that she had been > there for> > a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's Disease.> > > > As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late.> > > > He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not> > recognized him in five years now.> > > > I was surprised, and asked him, 'And you still go every morning,> > even though she doesn't know who you are'?> > > > He smiled as he patted my hand and said, 'She doesn't know me, but> > I still know who she is'.> > > > I had to hold back tears as he left; I had goose bumps on my arm,> > and thought, 'That is the kind of love I want in my life'.> > > > True love is neither physical, nor romantic. True love is an> > acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.> > > > With all the jokes and fun that are in e-mails, sometimes > there is> > one that comes along that has an important message.> > > > This one I thought I could share with you.> > > > The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything;> > they just make the best of everything they have.> > > > I hope you share this with someone you care about. I just did.> > > > 'Life isn't about how to survive the storm,> > But how to dance in the rain.> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > love and blessings,> Kate> > > love and blessings,Kate

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[Guest guest]

Hugs to you Anne. I hope you can see her soon. SharonThis email is a natural hand made product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects. To: MSersLife Sent: Thu, September 2, 2010 7:32:19 AMSubject: Re: How To dance In The Rain/Alzheimers [4 Attachments]

[Attachment(s) from Anne Whitworth included below]

I have my Lady Mother at the nursing home I worked at - I had a migraine the day Steve brought her in - when I went in the next morning I was still half out of it - it was Lila so I went to her nursing station nurse and asked about her - seems it took 6 of them to get her back in at shift change before I got there - she was swearing like a sailor - at 5' 2'' or 3 and 100 lbs she can be a hand full

all I said was that's my mom and went on to the dining room - I came in from the west side and I was looking for her - than she hollered across the dr - there's my red head

after I left her I retraced my steps - when I started across the great room the east rising sun blots everything out - the next thing I know Steve had me in a bear hug and he is saying I knew you would take care of her

until he died of a massive heart attack 2 years ago he saw her after breakfast every morning - there were times it took the two of us with the med nurse looking on to get her dilantin into her - she is epileptic

that was the start of me and Steve working together to take care of her - I even wrote up aides that weren't doing their job - I just handed the memo to the Director of Nursing in staff meeting and things were taken care of

and telling the staff in general if I tell Steve what you are doing you will not like the outcome

Lila and I adopted each other the summer of 1985 in Beginning Experience - a support group for adults working through the death of a relationship

before I left in 2003 she was able to understand and talk to me about the certification classes I took in 3 levels of grief and bereavement

the picture of us together was 9/1/02 at the memorial service the residents wanted for 9/11

since 2004 I have not been able to see her - I went the day after I was told of Steve's death - she was snowed with meds and didn't recognize me until I put my arms around her and kissed her on her cheek

I will go to her funeral - if I can't I will remember her in my own way

yes I understand about a parent and friend not knowing you

Steve also approved of giving her coffee whenever she wanted - he knew I keep chocolate in my desk for her

To: MSersLife Sent: Thu, September 2, 2010 9:14:43 AMSubject: Re: How To dance In The Rain/Alzheimers

I have to confess something that might sound awful...My dad still kinda knows whowe are. They are 6 of us kids in the family, and sometimes he mixes up my sistersand me and my brothers...but there are days I wish he would go home (to heaven)before he forgets who we all are.That sounds really selfish I know, but I think it wouldbe easier on everyone. I don't wish ill of him,I really don't. I just don't know how I'll dealwith his not knowing me, or any of us anymore. Alzheimers really robs all of us, not justthe person with it...love to you Jackie,and each,Kate How To dance In The Rain> To: "MSers Life egroup" > Date: Wednesday, September 1, 2010, 7:07 AM> > > > > > > > > > > > > > How to Dance in the Rain > > > > It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his> 80's, arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb.> > He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am.> > I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be> over an

hour before someone would be able to see him.> > I saw him looking at his watch, and decided, since I was not busy> with another patient, I would evaluate his wound.> > On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got> the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound.> > While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another> doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry.> > The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home> to eat breakfast with his wife.> > I inquired as to her health; he told me that she had been there for> a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's Disease.> > As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late.> > He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had

not> recognized him in five years now.> > I was surprised, and asked him, 'And you still go every morning,> even though she doesn't know who you are'?> > He smiled as he patted my hand and said, 'She doesn't know me, but> I still know who she is'.> > I had to hold back tears as he left; I had goose bumps on my arm,> and thought, 'That is the kind of love I want in my life'.> > True love is neither physical, nor romantic. True love is an> acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.> > With all the jokes and fun that are in e-mails, sometimes there is> one that comes along that has an important message.> > This one I thought I could share with you.> > The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything;> they just make the best of everything they have.>

> I hope you share this with someone you care about. I just did.> > 'Life isn't about how to survive the storm,> But how to dance in the rain.> > > > > > > > > love and blessings,Kate

Attachment(s) from Anne Whitworth

4 of 4 Photo(s)

lila at willow.jpg

Lila B.jpg

lila in social services.jpg

Lila.jpg