Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Love remembers

When sweet Millie (the wonder dog) first joined our family over 11 years ago, Mom wasn't sick. So while Auntie and I were at work, Mom and Millie spent every day together. They were the best of buddies. They adored each other. That first year Mom had to spend a few days in the hospital. Millie would run upstairs, sit at the doorway to Moms bedroom and cry because she missed her so much.



I took this picture years ago, just as Mom's sickness started to surface. As the Alzheimer's progressed Mom became uninterested in the dog. Not in a mean way but just seemed to ignore her. Millie adjusted and they just don't pay attention to each other any more. It's like they don't feel secure with each other now. I would guess its been 2 or 3 years since they have acknowledged each other.

But tonight as I was walking mom from the kitchen to the living room she suddenly stopped in front of Millie. Her face lit up and she bent down, smiling, and said "oh hi sweetie" and proceeded to gently pat her foe several minutes. They had a moment. Needless to say, Auntie and I were in tears.

So I guess sometimes, even now, a little bit of Mom peeks out and reminds me that this disease can't steal everything.
A few months ago I discovered a blogger Cindy who is just in the early stages of her journey with a Mom with Alzheimer's. Every Monday she shares her stories and experiences. She is funny, caring and honest. Stop by and visit her and show your support. Caregiving isn't always easy but it's always rewarding.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

23 comments:

  1. such a sweet peek...xxoxoxoxo

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  2. Hi Kim,
    What a wonderful moment for you and Auntie! I love your last statement about caregiving being rewarding.... and having the love and support of others going through it is most certainly a blessing. Prayers and big hugs for you!
    Cathy G

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  3. You had me at the Millie story and then I got teary eyed when you mentioned me and my mom, too! So happy you witnessed your real mom acknowledging sweet Millie again!! Thanks for the shout out girlfriend!!

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  4. Oh how sweet Kim, I am so glad you shared this. I love it when your Mom is able to peek through. You are just the best and I am so glad you are you.

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  5. I am so glad that just for a moment of time - your mom remembered and had a good bonding moment. Did your mom know she has AD? And was she scared when she found out? sandie

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  6. Dear Kim, I'm so glad that you witnessed this special moment today with Auntie and thanks for sharing it with us. I got shivers going down my spine as I read your post tonight. I get shivers when I hear words that affects me deeply. I would have been teary eyed too to witness such a rare moment.

    I'm also glad that you shared that beautiful picture of your mom and Millie. Your mom has the loveliest hands and I love the caption on the picture.

    Hugs,
    JB

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  7. That is a great story! My grandmother is in the severe stages if dementia and most of the time doesn't even know what is going on. But sometimes when we visit, every now and then I can see a spark of recognition in her eyes. I hurts to see her like that, but is so nice when I see her peak through. Tha k you for sharing this!

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  8. So glad you told this story, Kim. Such a good photo of your mom and Millie. Hugs to you! Nellie

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  9. Your mom is beautiful! This post brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing such a tender, sweet moment.
    Hugs :)
    Lauren

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  10. Kim, you know how I feel ~ you're Wonder Woman to me! And it is sweet that for a moment, the real Mom came thru. I'm a caregiver ~ I get it!!

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  11. Sweet, just pure sweetness. Loved this.. so glad I stopped by and thankful you shared this ;) Hugs to you for all that you do as a caregiver! -Tammy

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  12. I love this. Dogs bring such joy. Makes me think about my Granny and how much she loved her dog even when she couldn't remember anything else, she knew the love.

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  13. Animals have a way of touching our spirits - our "selves" if you will - that nothing else can. How lovely to have shared that little moment with your mom and Millie. Yes, caregiving is difficult. Exhausting. The little I do with my parents and aunt wear me out. My mother needs a day every week to get a break from my dad and his constant health issues. It's hard to be sick, but just as difficult, if not more so, for the caregiver. Kudos do you for all you do.

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  14. You my friend are a ANGEL!
    Thank you for sharing this real life story.
    Oh the love of our furry ones.
    Love the photo of your mom.
    Abundant Blessings to you

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  15. This was a heart warming post Kim. I'm glad your mom got to enjoy her old friend even if it was only for a few minutes.

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  16. Hi again Kim, I think that you got your birthday gift from your Mom a few days early this year.
    I hope that you will have a great birthday tomorrow.

    Hugs,
    JB

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  17. what a special story, and our animals are always so amazing. my brother is the caregiver for my Mom who has dimentia-definately not easy at all-she broke her hip last week-and is in rehab now Kathy

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  18. Oh Kim,I am glad you shared that moment with us.Hugs Cheri

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  19. I enjoy Cindy's blog and reading her stories of her Mom...I think she and you are true heroes in your family and share such love with your Moms. I'm glad Millie and your Mom had a moment of recognition and you were able to witness it...simple things that bring lifelong pleasure.

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  20. Happy Birthday Kim. I hope that it will be a good day for you today. It's Friday and I hope that your friends will treat you extra special.
    Hugs,
    JB

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  21. My hats go off to you ladies. I can only imagine how hard it is to deal with this disease. How sweet there was that wee moment of recognition for your Mom.
    I know how much it hurt me to see my Mother bedridden and slowly passing. God's strength to you, Kim.

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  22. What a heartwarming moment. This disease is so sad.

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