The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
I am struggling today to keep my nose clean and looking forward to a meeting tonight. I know this is all triggered by a neurologist visit I had with my father...it is really looking like he is in one of the stages of Alzheimer's disease. I visited with him yesterday and watched him cry over and over again; he is scared and so am I. I am powerless and am lovingly placing him in the hands of his HP. Having said that, I want to get in other people's business today to distract me from my own....my knuckles are white; time to let go and watch this process without judgment. Blessings and grace to you all.
(((((PP))))) I can only imagine how scary that must be, for both of you. And yes, I can truly relate to using other people's business as a spaghetti bowl I can get lost in, so I don't have to pay much attention to my own noodly brain. Sometimes we all just need a break... from ourselves I think. And its okay, provided that while in their business we are being supportive and encouraging... and I can't imagine you being any other way.
John
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" And what did we gain? A new life, with purpose, meaning and constant progress, and all the contentment and fulfillment that comes from such growth."
You are strong and you have helped me so much in the past. Ask yourself what motivates you to get into others business. Search deep down inside and "Think"
Your in my thoughts a prayers you come to the right decision before acting out.
(((( hugs ))))
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Lord, put your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth
Speak only when you feel that your words are better than your silence.
Hi, Paula. My Dad has Alzheimer's as does my aunt. Both are in different stages of this progressive disorder. For some reason, diabetes seems to be linked to AD. My heart goes out to your Dad AND I want to throw some hope out there for you both, too. There are some new drugs on the market and some new treatments for AD that didn't exist 10 years ago. If you haven't already done so, it might be helpful for you to research a good website to find information on what to expect, how to cope, new treatments. It won't change the diagnosis for you, but it can help minimize some of the frustrations that can result for you and for your Dad. Like AA, its a one day at a time disease, and your program will help you deal with this new challenge in your life. At first, the news are devastating to all of us. But, little by little, we learn to accept what is and make the best of it. And - there is always hope for a new treatment - a new medication that helps with the brain's changes in amazing ways.
I can remember when Aids seemed to be a death sentence dx - just 20 or 25 years ago. Today - thanks to medication and treatment - people are living longer and better than when HIV and Aids made itself known.
Much, much understanding, empathy and support and many, many prayers for you and for your Dad.
You're not alone. It's so incredibly hard to watch our parents age. I'm in the process of packing and moving my parents to assisted living as illness has set in and they are no longer capable of processing routine simple concepts. I've upped my exercise routine and am also doing a lot of yoga - things for me that help lower the stress. Keeping you and your Dad in my prayers.
No experience with this as I lost both of my parents early (both 68). Hope you find strength and peace in your meeting tonight. My prayers are with you as you go on this walk with your Dad.
Prayers for you PP, Alzheimer's is another devestating disease, much like Alcoholism in many respects. Both my maternal grandmother and now my mother suffer from the disease. Nana died in March of 1991, not knowing anyone, but peacefully in her sleep. Mom is 90 and now on hospice. She has been living with me and my 15 year old daughter since January of 2005. It has been a long haul, but worth it. There is a facebook page that has been a big help to me on this journey that both Alzheimer's patients and caregivers alike can benefit from it is called Memory People and is a closed group: www.facebook.com/groups/180666768616259/ Another good place for support is the Alzheimer's association website: http://www.alz.org/ I use the message boards,www.alzconnected.org on there a lot and the chat room, go to the "Caregivers Forum" on the message board and then there is a link to the chat room that will take you in. The site is a little difficult to sign up for and navigate, but it is very informative. A fellow MIPer told me about it, so I'm caring the message! :)
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I can Overcome all things through my HP who strengthens me.
Paula...what a lot of hope you got and so did I from reading along. Here we all are getting together because we were deeply affected by an "A" disease and we have gotten together to lend our ESH with you and each other an never mentioned that "A" disease at all...we're dealing with another "A" disease...using the same tools. Amazing!! and Grateful. (((((hugs))))) to you and the family.
