Good afternoon and thanks for stopping by today! If you have been following this blog, I wrote a while back about my hero, my Nan and recognizing that she has been diagnosed with Alzheimer Disease. So since my post in July, my Nan's estate has been sold and I can only hope to a loving new family :) She has been moved into Pleasantview Retirement Community and we went for my first visit last weekend. I remember the home from when my great grandmother lived there more than 20 years ago. Since it's been remodeled and is a very beautiful estate.
So I don't know what scared me the most about visiting my Nan for the first time. Would she remember my name? Would she be upset or having a "bad" day? My boyfriend escorted me as I knew I couldn't go alone and I wanted her to meet him before it was too late.
She was very surprised to see me as she sat with other residents in the dining area sipping coffee. She referenced me as her Great-Granddaughter (I'm her granddaughter) and although it took her a moment to remember my name, she got it.
She took us to her room and we sat and chatted for a while. In my mind I was replaying a conversation I had with a couple who patrons the restaurant I work at. They gave me a few tips. Try and not use the phrase "Do you remember when" or reference having already mentioned things. So when she asked where I work for the third time or how I met my boyfriend again, I simply acted as though it was the first time hearing the question.
I tried to keep the conversation light and I was thankful that she was still her witty self, cracking jokes like she owned the mic. I was also thankful that she made the reference to living at the home compared to other instances where she was under the impression that she worked at the home or asking when she was going home. She was having what I'll call "a good day".
Although it was sad and uncomfortable seeing but a sliver of my Nan in her shell, it was also uplifting and reminds me of how strong she is. She's working hard to fight against a disease that there is no cure for.
In all honesty it also brings me great fear as to what the future will hold in store for myself and my loved one. Will the disease trickle down the family tree? Should I get tested for the gene or let it up to fate?
One day at a time. One phone call at a time and one visit at a time. She's still my sweet little adorable Nan and hopefully since the home allows, I'll bring my best friend's puppy (the one in my profile picture) to come out to visit her. She always loved dogs and I think we could bring some smiles to the residents.
Well thank you for sharing my journey and here is hoping you have a blessed day. Stay strong for those you love and for yourself. We all deserve happiness in life.
Angel wings and fairy dust,
Blondesheep
So I don't know what scared me the most about visiting my Nan for the first time. Would she remember my name? Would she be upset or having a "bad" day? My boyfriend escorted me as I knew I couldn't go alone and I wanted her to meet him before it was too late.
She was very surprised to see me as she sat with other residents in the dining area sipping coffee. She referenced me as her Great-Granddaughter (I'm her granddaughter) and although it took her a moment to remember my name, she got it.
She took us to her room and we sat and chatted for a while. In my mind I was replaying a conversation I had with a couple who patrons the restaurant I work at. They gave me a few tips. Try and not use the phrase "Do you remember when" or reference having already mentioned things. So when she asked where I work for the third time or how I met my boyfriend again, I simply acted as though it was the first time hearing the question.
I tried to keep the conversation light and I was thankful that she was still her witty self, cracking jokes like she owned the mic. I was also thankful that she made the reference to living at the home compared to other instances where she was under the impression that she worked at the home or asking when she was going home. She was having what I'll call "a good day".
Although it was sad and uncomfortable seeing but a sliver of my Nan in her shell, it was also uplifting and reminds me of how strong she is. She's working hard to fight against a disease that there is no cure for.
In all honesty it also brings me great fear as to what the future will hold in store for myself and my loved one. Will the disease trickle down the family tree? Should I get tested for the gene or let it up to fate?
One day at a time. One phone call at a time and one visit at a time. She's still my sweet little adorable Nan and hopefully since the home allows, I'll bring my best friend's puppy (the one in my profile picture) to come out to visit her. She always loved dogs and I think we could bring some smiles to the residents.
Well thank you for sharing my journey and here is hoping you have a blessed day. Stay strong for those you love and for yourself. We all deserve happiness in life.
Angel wings and fairy dust,
Blondesheep