As I move up in years, and my age moves towards another digit, so do the rest of my family, and especially my parents. I appreciate that at my age I am very fortunate to have both my parents still alive, despite all their many illnesses to overcome.
Sadly, my Mother was diagnosed with vascular dementia some three years ago, this tragic disease has ebbed away at this once brilliant mind, causing it to forget her short term memory, and heavily rely on my Father to recall what they have done that day. This sharp witted lady now so heavily reliant on others just to function, brings home to me that getting older is not all that it is cracked up to be. Especially if you do not have good health.
I see the frustration in her eyes……when I visit her and the deterioration in her overall health, as she tries to recall what she has done, who she has spoken to that day, and it is so sad to see. I am thankful that she still recognises me and asks me how I am doing!
The conversation is now heavily centred on my Father, (who answers the phone, greets you at the door, and holds an adult to adult conversation with you) this once lively three way conversation has now been replaced by a one way chat with my Mother, trying not to answer her sentences and still viewing her with the dignity and love, that she so richly deserves.
If you are fortunate still to have your parents alive and of course you have a good relationship with them, remember to treasure each conversation, laugh, and most of all remember to create lasting memories that can be recalled…… should they lose their memory.