On this Father’s Day, writer and author Charles Pierce reflects on his father-son memories nearly 30 years after his dad’s death from Alzheimer’s disease.
Source: Lessons From My Father, What I Learned from Dad – AARP
I visit her every three to four weeks, having lost my dad in March 2013 after three years of escalating health issues, moving them out of their house, declaring bankruptcy on their behalf and countless phone calls and health scares.
I wake up each day and go to sleep each night thinking about my mom and worrying about her well being, health and safety.
I know there are millions of people like me.
Mom is a 78-year-old Type 1 brittle diabetic, having been diagnosed when she was 11. You don't meet many of them because they don't exist. She was not supposed to live into her 50s, and continues to defy the odds. 9 months ago, she was told she'd never walk again. After her 6th back surgery, she is walking with a walker.
Dad was 81 and had Alzheimer's. He had multiple health issues, was in and out of rehab. It was his time, and he was ready. I am at peace.
My younger sister lives 5 miles from my mom, sees her occasionally, and has her own demons to fight. She does the best she can, I have realized, after spending way too much time and energy being angry with her.
My parents are MY responsibility.
I hope that by starting this blog, relating my experiences, and sharing others' we will all learn something about the care of our aging parents.
For the privacy of my family, I remain anonymous to most.
Let's help each other help them.
