The First Year - 2017

A Diary of my thoughts

as we travel along with Mom 

in this journey called

vascular dementia.

2017 wasn't a lot of fun.

Mom has dementia.

My mom will soon be 90 years old. She has lived a very active life and just recently resigned as an alderman in her small town. She was treasurer of our church, several craft organizations and our cemetery association.

Until June of last year.

We noticed her making mistakes and losing things. We began to see her exert a few episodes of frustration over something small or not important at all. She even hit a pole with her car.

Then in September she had a stroke. We have since spent several hours in the emergency room trying to understand what is happening to her and how to deal with it. From days of diarrhea, extreme high and low blood pressure to fainting and balance issues.

We are learning.

We are blessed with a truly merciful doctor whose staff are patient and so kind.  We are also blessed that we have a dear friend who has a lot of experience in this type of care and has offered to come in when needed. 

Mom will stay in her home as long as possible. She is happy there with all her memories. It is familiar to her.

continued...