It's easy to get down as the progressive disease advances. Anyone around it should know that it is going to get worse. Jan's condition is exagerated by the fact that she can't speak. Of the residents I can only think of one that has a similiar condition as Jan. Dementia does cause speech problems for many but most have the ability to pronounce words, Jan will repeat what you say at times and it is clear, but most of the time it is just jibberish. Add to that the fact that she cannot participate in any of the activities like singing, bingo, crafts. She is not the only one in that situation but it really hurts to see that she can't do anything but walk. I would give anything if she could sit and watch a football game with me like we have for 44 years. I feel like her situation is getting worse. Her ability to follow even the minimum directions, the most common like stand here for one minute, or please sit in the chair, or use your fork, or you can hold your glass. At times she seems totally unable to understand or the ability to follow directions. This seems to me to be something that she is losing.
This past weekend I went to church on Saturday night and it was so good I went again on Sunday morning and sat with my grandchildren. It felt real good and the sermon was a powerful message that struck me dead center, but I was not alone. Life is tough, and if you don't believe it, just wait. We can be miserable like we don't understand our destination or we can be different because we know the destination. As Christians we must be an example for others in good times and in tough times because we know our destination. God Bless
We went to Jeff's wedding on Sat. night, but we watched the sermon online and the message was powerful. Loved so many things that Reg said in it. The one that stood out the most is "will our suffering be a tool for testimony or an excuse for whining". Don, God has used you as a tool for testimony in caring for Jan. I praise Him for that!
ReplyDeleteI so enjoyed being with Jan Monday. Yes, there was jibberish but there were times we looked at each other and laughed. So, I will go again and I will walk the halls..the golf, western, boat and garden hallways will be our journey together. You have done a job worthy of praise in choosing where Jan will be. The caretakers love Jan and she loves them.
ReplyDeleteI also enjoyed being with Jan on Tues.She seemed to know me & we shared lots of smiles,some laughter & lots of walking.That was
ReplyDeletenourishment for both of us.She appears to be
very content.