It’s nine o’clock at night.
It’s Mother’s Day again.
I cried a lot today.
Again.
I hope I was a better daughter than what I can remember.
Did I wish her “Happy Mother’s Day”?
Did I make her feel special?
Did I thank her for everything she did for me?
Did I say “I love you Mom”?
Did I make her dinner?
Did I get her a gift?
Did I smile when she said “Thank you”?
I can’t ask her now because she won’t remember.
She doesn’t understand when I say “Happy Mother’s Day”.
She doesn’t know how special she really is to me.
She doesn’t understand when I say “Thank you” for everything you
ever did for me.
She looks blankly at me when I say, “I love you Mom”.
She doesn’t even know my name.
She doesn’t even know I’m her daughter.
The disease has stolen my Mom from me.
So I say it again as I walk away,
“I love you Mom. Happy Mother’s Day”.
I tear rolls down my cheek.
Again.
5/12/13 MLT
Here’s the story in a nutshell:
Dad started showing signs of Alzheimer’s Disease at age 52. He died at age 65 after 13 years of not knowing who he was or who we were. He could only say, “what’s on the agenda” for the last year of his life.
Mom started showing signs at age 73. She is now 89 years old, lives at Briody Nursing Home and has no idea what her name or any of her children or grandchildren. She barely eats, she barely walks and she speaks “gibberish”. She relates only to her doll that we bought her. We named him Andrew. It has been 16 years of watching her fade away. Heartbreaking……
That is why Laura, Rob, Amy and I as well as all of our family members “Walk to End Alzheimer’s”. We want to help reclaim the future for millions. We also pray that our own children do not have to watch any of us go through this devastating disease. By participating in the 2013 Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s™, I’m committed to raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer research, care and support.
Currently, more than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s and that number is expected to grow to as many as 16 million by 2050. Our future is at risk unless we can find a way to change the course of this disease.
I need your support to do my part! Please make a donation to help the Alzheimer’s Association advance research into prevention, treatments and a cure for Alzheimer’s. For the millions already affected by the disease, the Association offers care, education, support and resources in communities nationwide.
Thank you for joining our movement! The end of Alzheimer’s disease starts here.
Please join our team or create your own team to walk with Case-Nic Cookies on September 7th in the Medina Canal Basin. If you would like to make a donation to our team, go to www.alz.org. Click on “Find a Walk” and then search for Team Case-Nic Cookies. Nicole is also selling “links” at Case-Nic Cookies so you can stop in and donate to her. Thank you in advance for your support. We truly appreciate it!!!
Mary Lou and Family
Remember those who forget to
Remember…….