My first published book was Dancing With Dementia: Recognizing and Coping with the Early Stages of Dementia.
The star of the book is Lizzie. I used an alternate name for Mom to protect her privacy but the stories in the book are all real.
Lizzie was a firecracker - from her early days growing up in Scotland throughout WWII to her time in a local nursing home where she was often the highlight of the day for many people.
Dementia is a cruel and nasty disease. The last few weeks have been difficult for Lizzie as she mostly lost contact with the world around her. She was put into palliative care and fell into a peaceful sleep. She passed away Monday morning without experiencing any pain.
Lizzie was known for her sense of humour, her adventurous spirit, her oh-so-colourful language, and her big heart. We will miss her sass, her spunk, and her stories.
Sleep well, Lizzie. Sleep well.
13 comments:
My heart goes out to you. So much. Thank you for the care and love you gave to Lizzie. I hope she can indeed sleep well, free at last from that insidious disease.
I am so sorry, Jemi. Prayers for you and your whole family.
I am so sorry for your loss, Jemi. I lost my mom, who also suffered from Dementia, in early October. I am glad your mom is at peace and not suffering anymore.
Sue - thanks so much. I'm sure she's at peace and dancing again.
Alex - thank you so much
Natalie - thank you. It's such a cruel disease. I know she's happy to be free of it!
Dementia is a sad, tragic disease. Lonely....might I say? A cruel separation. I'm sorry this happened to you and your mother.
So very, very sorry, Jemi.
Yvonne - Thank you, it is a terrible disease. We were lucky Mom kept her spunk to the very end.
Diane - thank you
Sorry for your loss but that book and your memories will keep her alive.
Sending you so much love! <3
Thanks Patty! I'm glad her story is out there :)
Kyra - thanks so much!
My condolences to you and your family, Jemi <3 I'm glad you shared her story with us!
Jemi, I failed to comment when this first happened, maybe because it is a painful reminder that my time with my own mom is limited, and it hurts to think it. My heart goes out to you with this loss. I'm glad Lizzie at least went out without pain.
Deniz - thank you. Lizzie would LOVE that her story is out there entertaining and helping others
Rebecca - I totally understand that. It is painful to contemplate. Enjoy as much time as you have - I know you'll have lots of great memories to treasure
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