My mom turns 86!

Last week my mom turned 86.

Last February she fell and broke her hip and because of her advanced Alzheimer's she could not be taught to walk again. I moved back from Texas temporarily to my parents house in Atlanta in May and have been here since. My dad is 90 and completly blind. We have home hospice care for mom. My sister and I are their main caregivers. We share in taking care of them, grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, feeding, changing and all of that stuff. She is very happy and unlike most Alzheimer's patients is very kind and sweet, always thanking us. She only recognizes my dad and has no idea who I am now. I made the decision to be here until the end, maybe a few more months. She is very thin now and has trouble swallowing. Next week she and dad will have been married 60 years! They are so much in love still.

I am getting a vacation next week to go see my wife, we are going to stay at a ranch near Bandera Texas for the holiday. That will be great!! :D

Just thought I would share this.

What a moving post. THANK YOU for sharing that.
Your folks are still fine looking.

And very lucky to have children like you and your sister.

Chris, you've made me well up with tears, here. What handsome people your parents are. And how fortunate to have devoted offspring who are dedicating their lives to making theirs as comfortable and loving as they can be.

*These* are the post for which I most cherish my membership in The Cellar community. Beautiful, just beautiful.

Ditto Great post.

Have you reflected on your journey from rotten little kid, to elder care provider? During the journey, these wonderful people were your impetus and anchor. You're doing well to honor them. I salute you.:notworthy

PS, extend Cellar wishes to your wife.

Howdy MOMS !!!!

Well done chrisinhouston !!!!

Thanks for sharing your story, and the photos of your sweet parents.

That was a great post. Good luck to all of your family, I know just how hard it is to lose family to alzheimer's. You should have great satisfaction that you are sticking it out until the end. Many people can't. Again, good luck, and congradulations on the birthday!

That is beautiful Chris. You and they are both lucky. Congratulations may sound odd, but you are doing a tough job and one that many people shy from. Your mom looks like a kind and sweet person.

Very nice, thanks for sharing Chris. Beautiful pictures.

My mom had Alzheimer's, too.

I was her primary caregiver for a while, but had to put her in a home after the third time she tried to burn the house down. That was a tough decision.

It is not an easy life. Be sure to take good care of yourself, too.

Stay strong.

:grouphug:

xoxoxoBruce wrote:

Have you reflected on your journey from rotten little kid, to elder care provider?

One day, it came to me. When you raise children you see your past, when you take care of your aging parents you see your future.

Kind of scarry! :eyebrow:

chrisinhouston wrote:

One day, it came to me. When you raise children you see your past, when you take care of your aging parents you see your future.

Kind of scarry! :eyebrow:

You're not kidding! Good luck man.

chrisinhouston wrote:

One day, it came to me. When you raise children you see your past,
:eyebrow:

Then why do I hear so many parents say, "We didn't act like that when we were their age." :lol:

I find I'm mimicking my Dad's distinctive grunts and groans.

I am so moved by this. My mum and aunties shared the care of my nana when she had alzheimers. No easy task, but a worthwhile one. What a wonderful post, thanks for sharing it with us.