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You are here: Home / Uncategorized / My Sweet Aunt

My Sweet Aunt

Uncategorized
September 7, 2012

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I’m not going to give a history or facts about this incredibly sad disease. I think it’s safe to say that most of us know someone who is affected by this illness.

My aunt has been in the hospital two times over the last few weeks. She has Alzheimer Disease. That isn’t why she was taken to the hospital, however, the time spent there seems to take a toll on her in a negative way.

She is now in a place of rehab, building up her strength to return home, where she lives with her daughter and her daughter’s family. I sat with her for awhile yesterday. I walked away with a few thoughts and even more feelings about it all.

My aunt couldn’t get comfortable and told me countless times how miserable she was. She would go from lying in the bed to sitting on the side of the bed and back, in a matter of minutes. I finally got her settled in the wheelchair, which seemed to be the place she found most comfortable. The foot thingies were off the chair, and I was waiting for the NA to come out of the room across the hall to ask her to show me how to reattach them. In the meantime, my aunt propped her legs up on the bed.

She commented a few times on the No Nonsense pink striped no-show socks she was wearing (we called them “footies” back in my day, which dates me, I know). I noticed what tiny ankles she had, and shared with her a flashback I had while looking at those socks.

I remembered when I was a little girl, how my aunt would always wear an anklet, or ankle bracelet (as we called those back in the day). She would always wear one, and I thought it was so cool. Couldn’t wait to grow up and wear one myself. I shared the memory with her. She didn’t remember, of course, and I didn’t expect her to, but in that brief moment, we connected.

I felt so useless, sitting in the room with her, as she tried to come to terms with her discomfort, and the whys and whens of home. I gained a greater respect, and sympathy too, for my cousins, her daughter and son, who are taking care of her on a daily basis, for as long as they can do so at home. And I know there are countless others who are doing the same thing. My hat is off to you.

I will return to visit my aunt again in a day or two. Not that she’ll remember that I did. But during my time with her yesterday, she called me by name. And that’s why I’ll go. Because while I was there (for now anyway) she knew.

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By Laurie

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Comments

  1. life...just saying says

    September 9, 2012 at 11:29 am

    Thanks for the visit. So sorry about your nanna. Intetesting how it affects people differently, in different phases.

    Reply
  2. Haley says

    September 9, 2012 at 3:08 am

    Visiting from SITS. My nanna is in the early stages and it is very difficult she is quite aggressive when she slips in to her memories.

    Reply
  3. Michelle says

    September 9, 2012 at 2:14 am

    That’s so tough! So great that you spend time with her…I’m sure your cousins appreciate it!
    Michelle
    http://normalchaosforamultitaskmom.blogspot.com/2012/09/directionsplease.html

    Reply
    • life...just saying says

      September 9, 2012 at 11:27 am

      Thanks for the comment. Yes, it also helps pass the time for my cousins when they are there.

      Reply
  4. Young Yoga Masters says

    September 9, 2012 at 1:52 am

    That’s a beautiful memory of the ankle bracelet. I’m sure it was very meaningful for your aunt, and to just have someone there who cared.

    Reply
    • life...just saying says

      September 9, 2012 at 11:29 am

      Thanks. It was while I was there. Her daughter told me 10 minutes after I left she didn’t remember.

      Reply
  5. life...just saying says

    September 8, 2012 at 12:53 pm

    Thanks for the tip. Yes, she does tend to live in the past. I’m thankful she still knows who we all are.

    Reply
  6. Danica Bridges-Martin says

    September 8, 2012 at 12:20 pm

    I’ve sadly dealt with this in my family, it’s horrible watching them disappear, their confusion, their frustration, and nothing brings them back. Just keep remembering the good times and talk to them about it, they usually remember the past better than the present. 🙁 Danica Martin

    Reply
laurie
Hello, beautiful, courageous woman. Struggles and dysfunction don't have to define us - they can even drive us to create and live fuller lives. Let's journey together~
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