It’s tough getting old

[Richard1]

I stopped by the house 2 weeks ago to see my mom and she seemed as fine as could be for an 84 year old lady. My brother told me today that I needed to go by and see her and that he was there yesterday and she was not doing well. Very confused and not knowing where she was. For the past couple of years she has been on Alzheimer’s medication. Her symptoms were mild, meaning she would often ask the same questions time and time again. Most often something like “So, what’s been going on around your house lately?” Then we would talk and she would carry on a normal conversation. I just chalked it up to getting old. Anyway, today I stopped by and she said she had been waiting on my dad to come pick her up and take her home. I said “mom, you are home”. She said I don’t live here, I live on 21st street. (that is where she lived 45 years ago when me and my brother were born.) We talked for about a half hour to 45 minutes and I discovered that she believes my grandmother and great grandmother are still alive. She believes that my mom and dad’s home is actually my grandmother’s home and that she and my dad live on 21st street. She said my dad went home to take a bath and was coming back to pick her up and take her home. In reality my dad was at work. While I was there, she called him to find out when he was coming to get her and she said she was “sitting here talking to,,,, Ahh,,,, What’s your name?” I told her my name and she continued on with her conversation.

In total shock, I went home and got my wife. I said let’s go see mom, something obviously wrong. I was hoping that when she saw my wife that something may click with her. Needless to say, it didn’t and we had the same bizarre conversations that we did a half hour later.

I called my dad at work to find out how she could have gone downhill so fast and he simply said it’s been like this for a while and that she has her good days when everything is fine and then days like today. The past week or so has been all bad days. He said she called him at work after we left and said “your brother and sister stopped by to see you”.

I always knew this day would come, but always figured it was another day, not today.

[captainfester]

Bummer buddy. Best of luck. Never easy to see the parents struggling. My father has terminal cancer. At age 58. Just a bummer.

here for you if needed.

[taffyspop]

I feel your pain Richard and am so sorry. We are going through this battle with my lady friend's Mother. It is a terrible disease. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. It's not easy so try to get professional advice on how to navigate the tough road ahead....

[CBSIMONSEZ]

damn, that tough. My grandmother had it when i was young, so i really didnt know what was going on. Now that i look back i can see how frustrating and heart breaking it can be.

[finally]

I am kinder going through the same thing you are. I don't think this message makes it any easier. I think that's what they call the circle of life. I'm sorry.

[Exredninjaguy]

Sorry to hear it Richard. I've been through this with family members myself, and sometimes it comes so fast it really catches you off guard even though you think you might be prepared. Best wishes

[sinister1]

our family will keep u in our prayers. keep ur head up richard. jus always remember how much she loves you.

[Bones429]

Richard

My heart goes out to you and your family, I am not looking forward to that day with my parents, they are 81 and 80. Both are doing fine right now. You and your family will be in my prayers.

Bones

[X_KIOWA_X]

Sorry to hear about your mom, I know it's hard to deal with as my step-dad has parkinson's disease and until he finally took his stubborn butt to the doctor and found out it was pretty hard on him, now that he's on meds for it, it's not as bad but you can still tell it affects him. Keep your head up brother and remember that she loves you and you love her and take it day by day the best you can as it's a hard situation to have to deal with.

[Fury10]

I am sorry you and your family have to deal with Alzheimer's, Richard. Best wishes.