tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-444221130150558371.post6829961813567347403..comments2024-03-29T08:17:22.279-04:00Comments on Sew Many Ways...: Have You Seen My Mojo? I Think I Lost It...Karen from Sew Many Ways...http://www.blogger.com/profile/05258367030113873230noreply@blogger.comBlogger83125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-444221130150558371.post-64674895846467418202015-02-21T07:15:50.624-05:002015-02-21T07:15:50.624-05:00Hi Karen
Thanks so much for sharing your post wi...Hi Karen <br /><br />Thanks so much for sharing your post with us. <br /><br />I lost my mom 3 days after Christmas, she was suffering from Dementia. The hardest part was <br />seeing her try to remember who I was. <br /><br />I try to remember all the good times we shared and that she had so much love for us. Also, I know <br />that she is united again with my dad and I am sure dancing up a storm. <br /><br />I will pray for you and your family. <br /><br />Keep strong, big hugs. <br /><br />DeniseDenise Giffordhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10191324013140141209noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-444221130150558371.post-32811704528011282322015-02-16T09:32:01.327-05:002015-02-16T09:32:01.327-05:00I was so fortunate that when my dad lived with us ...I was so fortunate that when my dad lived with us he told me that he wanted for me to tell him when it was time to give up things like driving. He put me on his bank account and I paid his bills. When he needed or wanted something, I took him with me and helped him decide on the best item. He put me solely in charge, and I'm proud of how he trusted me, and I never violated his trust. Now I see my 74 year old husband being forgetful, having poor judgment, and doing things like putting dirty clothes in the dryer because he has forgotten to wash them first. Six months ago he had a subdural hematoma and a craniotomy to evacuate the blood. It did no brain damage, but his brain has shrunk a lot. He's going through a thorough evaluation by a neurologist, but they tell me he does not have Alzheimer's or dementia, just an aging brain. They put him on Prozac, but he isn't depressed. He has lost his job because he can't get things done on time or correctly. My adult sons think there's nothing wrong with him, but they don't see him; two live in another state and the local one doesn't spend any time with us at all. (Wife problems) I would give anything if I didn't have to deal with my very stubborn and belligerent husband, but we're going to lose our car and our Medicare healthcare supplements, and so many other things because we don't have the income to support them without a job. At least a parent wouldn't pose these problems; I have no place to turn. Barbarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00313716079029892053noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-444221130150558371.post-38433496203993026182015-02-15T19:02:45.818-05:002015-02-15T19:02:45.818-05:00Bless your heart & your family. I think you ar...Bless your heart & your family. I think you are doing a great job even if it seems never ending. Prayed for you all. Please don't respond as you have your hands too full as it is.Sharonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03183980770851175453noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-444221130150558371.post-58598167791562965742015-02-15T19:02:31.755-05:002015-02-15T19:02:31.755-05:00Bless your heart & your family. I think you ar...Bless your heart & your family. I think you are doing a great job even if it seems never ending. Prayed for you all. Please don't respond as you have your hands too full as it is.Sharonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03183980770851175453noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-444221130150558371.post-21945255706606428932015-02-15T00:04:34.193-05:002015-02-15T00:04:34.193-05:00Here, here! You are doing a good thing. Plus on to...Here, here! You are doing a good thing. Plus on top of everything else, your children see what and how you are taking care of their grandparents. As hard as it is for them to see.... they will figure out that one day, they too will be taking care of you. Because of your example, I'm sure it will be with lots of love.<br />I pray that my stubbornness will not last that long when it my kids turn to help with me. <br />Hang in there. Prayers are with you. Jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11744073613012413496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-444221130150558371.post-64047503738183049812015-02-15T00:04:24.299-05:002015-02-15T00:04:24.299-05:00Here, here! You are doing a good thing. Plus on to...Here, here! You are doing a good thing. Plus on top of everything else, your children see what and how you are taking care of their grandparents. As hard as it is for them to see.... they will figure out that one day, they too will be taking care of you. Because of your example, I'm sure it will be with lots of love.<br />I pray that my stubbornness will not last that long when it my kids turn to help with me. <br />Hang in there. Prayers are with you. Jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11744073613012413496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-444221130150558371.post-59769227280725803632015-02-14T20:09:05.702-05:002015-02-14T20:09:05.702-05:00I've read and reread this post Karen and it ha...I've read and reread this post Karen and it has brought so many memories for me. Like many others I cared for my parents in their last years and while there were so many challenges there were even more blessings. Their illnesses made my decision to take an early retirement, something that I wasn't really ready for personally and which cost me many dollars in retirement funds. And still when I think of things that happened during that year I smile and thank God I was in a position to do it. I will pray for you and for your family...for strength and patience and grace. blessings, marleneStitchinByTheLakehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04501479854150315011noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-444221130150558371.post-49352967883347562872015-02-14T19:51:24.534-05:002015-02-14T19:51:24.534-05:00I haven't read all of the comments, but I thin...I haven't read all of the comments, but I think that your local Alzheimers Association would be a big help to you. They deal with all memory issues, not just Alzheimers, and are an invaluable resource in so many ways.Bob and Gigihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03723927642344606791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-444221130150558371.post-21939324984388283902015-02-14T14:22:04.509-05:002015-02-14T14:22:04.509-05:00Karen, my own parents have been gone for a very lo...Karen, my own parents have been gone for a very long time, but I have friends going through these same experiences. Caregivers are simply NOT given enough credit. Hang in there and let us be your shoulder when you need one.Pathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12283575512727062312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-444221130150558371.post-69953320306468417332015-02-14T13:07:58.344-05:002015-02-14T13:07:58.344-05:00Dear Karen, my soon to be 97 year old mother has ...Dear Karen, my soon to be 97 year old mother has been living with us for six years, and I HEAR YOU! I never expected thta our lives would change so much. It truly is like having a child around. I always need to consider where she will be, or if I need someone to pop over to check on her if I am going somewhee for an extended time, like a wedding. My mom's mind is still good, but the hearing!! Sometimes I feel badly because I don't have conversation with her, but it is easier than screaming, and that is when she is wearing her hearing aid. The drippy faucets, forgetting to flush the toilet, missing the toliet and many other minor issue become big when we have hit our saturation point. Overall you and I are blessed to have been graced with husbands who help and hearts so big that in the end we would not have it any other way. I just hope when I am 97 I can remember NOT to do the things that make me crazy with her to my children. God bless you and your family.Nonna Rosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16012184355923456462noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-444221130150558371.post-70349336783605339002015-02-13T05:13:47.898-05:002015-02-13T05:13:47.898-05:00Wow that is a lot to digest and for you to deal wi...Wow that is a lot to digest and for you to deal with each and every day. Thank you so very much for all of this info. I'm going to have my time soon enough to have to be dealing with parents that can no longer take care of themselves and learning from others that have walked this road will definitely help.Michelehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09269423321421270481noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-444221130150558371.post-55906402667765474012015-02-12T15:26:05.667-05:002015-02-12T15:26:05.667-05:00Karen, you don't need to reply. My eyes are f...Karen, you don't need to reply. My eyes are filled with tears. This is so much like our situation with my husbands mother...it's like you wrote my heart out here. Thank you for taking a courageous step and sharing YOUR heart! You can't know how emotionally freeing this was to read. Thank you also for the information you've shared to help us keep our parents safe from harm, both physically and financially. God bless you!Grammasherihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18020683094980707907noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-444221130150558371.post-46233855006829445442015-02-12T03:42:07.775-05:002015-02-12T03:42:07.775-05:00You are to be commended for your hard work and pat...You are to be commended for your hard work and patience. You have found solutions to most of the problems in spite of the floods, etc. This work will return to you at some point. Plus you are setting such excellent examples for your girls and others. Thank you for taking such good care of your father.Aunt TChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04833458576934375774noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-444221130150558371.post-79031611771891336912015-02-11T15:16:00.529-05:002015-02-11T15:16:00.529-05:00Karen, my prayers go out to you. My mother lived ...Karen, my prayers go out to you. My mother lived with us for her last 3 years and we did have our ups and downs, most of which were caused by my sister and my mother's sisters. I was never sorry that we did have her come to us though. She was able to be a part of a household that was busy and kept her interest. <br />Karen, you had some really good ideas about the water in the kitchen and the stove turn off, that I will share with friends. I had not heard of that! <br />It is good to be able to talk with others that have been through this or starting on the path.<br />God bless you and your readers. <br />JackieAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16605777448006110141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-444221130150558371.post-32168974836422397922015-02-11T14:59:43.227-05:002015-02-11T14:59:43.227-05:00I appreciate your sharing this time in your life w...I appreciate your sharing this time in your life with us. I think a lot of us are in or are approaching the same situation. It's nice to know we are not alone. Remember to take care of YOU! Blessings to you and the familyDebbie Louhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07033372251398777683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-444221130150558371.post-69178586774078067082015-02-11T14:21:55.888-05:002015-02-11T14:21:55.888-05:00All of your post certainly did resonate with me bu...All of your post certainly did resonate with me but in a different way. My parents have been gone a long time now and thankfully for them and myself they never had to live with us. My greatest fear now is someday loosing my independence and possibly being a burden to my family. They all pray for my husband's good health every day - LoL - While I know my daughter would take on the "battle" full force and my son in Colorado would step up also - I would still be a burden to their way of life and the joy they have with their grandchildren. Your post certainly did hit home and thank you for everything you shared . Your parents are very fortunate to have you. Hugs from Judy CJudyCinNChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08060154939964224886noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-444221130150558371.post-47991272875553003962015-02-11T13:27:28.696-05:002015-02-11T13:27:28.696-05:00You have been missed! Your blog is one of my favor...You have been missed! Your blog is one of my favorites.<br /><br />My DH and I are just starting to need to be more involved in the lives of our parents in a caretaker role. I now go on most of my dad's dr visits. We are thankful that our parents live nearby so running over to take care of a need isn't over time consuming. But the needs are starting to mount. <br /><br />Take care of yourself. Your needs are important too! <br />Mary Alicehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16431570313853896290noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-444221130150558371.post-12148615890511104842015-02-11T13:01:15.097-05:002015-02-11T13:01:15.097-05:00Oh, Karen...I have walked in your shoes. (((((hug...Oh, Karen...I have walked in your shoes. (((((hugs))))) My mom passed away 23 years ago, so thankfully we didn't have the internet to contend with during her time.<br /><br />I am also looking at things from the "other side" now, too. I'm 65 and I am starting to worry that I may be difficult for my children as I grow older. It's kind of scarey...especially when you have been the caretaker. <br /><br />I'm glad you have "partners in crime" aka your siblings to help out. Makes it easier when there are others involved and aware of what you are dealing with.<br /><br />(((((hugs)))))<br /><br /><br />Helenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04931106196956511119noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-444221130150558371.post-22720229817227820722015-02-11T09:42:16.940-05:002015-02-11T09:42:16.940-05:00Oh, Karen, how I can relate! I generally just han...Oh, Karen, how I can relate! I generally just hang around the edges of your blog, taking advantage of all the useful ideas you share, but this time...... We're right now dealing with my parents, who are both fully independent and generally healthy still. They're in their 80's so still relatively young, but we're beginning to see some forgetfulness, some signs of poor decision-making - all minor so far, but still a concern for the future. We won't ever be living with them in our house, but working on getting them closer to us, so we can be fully aware if anything changes and available if they need help. Your post has reminded me of some of the things we need to watch for and intercede if necessary. So thankful that they have never had an interest in computers, so at least that's one thing we won't have to worry about! Thanks for sharing. And be encouraged - you're doing your best for your dad, and you know it even if he doesn't. God bless!Peggyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06079854415508985725noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-444221130150558371.post-75092988178849851342015-02-11T06:22:04.672-05:002015-02-11T06:22:04.672-05:00Totally understand. I am also going through elder ...Totally understand. I am also going through elder parent issues. It is tough for them to loose their independence and tough for you to watch it. In the past 3 months my totally independent mom (91 years) went from her house to hospital to rehab facility and now into assisted living. If assisted living is an option for you and IF you find a NICE one it may be worth considering. My mom is eating better, getting more exercise, more social activites, nursing care is available and she still has some privacy in her little apartment. It is less expensive than if she would have stayed in her home. Karen, it is ok that you loose your mojo. We all do at times.Jillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13667629963983016101noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-444221130150558371.post-7530638754659364602015-02-10T22:46:32.531-05:002015-02-10T22:46:32.531-05:00Thank you for this post. I helps me feel like I am...Thank you for this post. I helps me feel like I am not alone. My MIL was diagnosed with Alzheimer's a year and a half ago. She would put food on the stove, sit down and fall asleep. A little over a year ago she fell, broke a hip, suffered a head contusion and had a stroke all at the same time apparently. Doctors aren't sure which happened first to set off the chain of events. She went to a nursing home to rehabilitate but suffered more strokes and is now on a feeding tube, paralyzed on her left side, mostly immobile on her right side, and not interacting much with people anymore. She is 81. Her husband, my husband's father, will turn 91 in a few weeks. He is arthritic, hard of hearing and as stubborn as a mule. He still lives in their home but has given the twice daily farm chores over to my husband, but still wants to 'be in charge' and has said as much - "As long as I am alive, I am in charge." Adding to that is my 20 year old son who is legally blind and physically and learning disabled due to spina bifida. He refuses to practice good hygiene and is suffering from some severe pressure wounds on his bottom. He attends a school that is a continuation of high school to learn life skills and become more independent. I recently found out that he has been lying to me about the condition of his wounds and also to his health center nurse about bandage changes when he is home. He also is on the computer ordering things he doesn't need and spending money like there is no tomorrow. We try to discuss the importance of good hygiene, etc with him, but things turn ugly quickly. <br />I will be going back to read the rest of the comments to this post. I am sure there are many people going through these life situations and hopefully we can all get some good ideas and advice from each other.<br />Good luck with situation.Cindy Quiltshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04242951510849081262noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-444221130150558371.post-75017074850583239982015-02-10T21:49:08.124-05:002015-02-10T21:49:08.124-05:00I lost my parents at a relatively young age. And ...I lost my parents at a relatively young age. And the older I get the younger it sounds. However, the information you provided could be some really good conversations to have with my own children as I age. I actually think my husband could use that Stove Guard now. He worked nights for 44 years and is extremely forgetful. I am going to have to check into it, I did not even know something like that existed.Nancyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17779941292169327439noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-444221130150558371.post-89374176530277065982015-02-10T18:24:30.271-05:002015-02-10T18:24:30.271-05:00My heart goes out to you, Karen! All our parents ...My heart goes out to you, Karen! All our parents are now gone but we went through many of the same things you have gone through with my mother. She wouldn't leave her home although she would go to our homes (my sister's and mine) each afternoon and stay until after dinner. Getting her to give up her car after numerous accidents was so awful for all of us! I finally 'turned her in' with her doctor's help and the court (yes, she took the issue to court!) said that she could have her license back when she no longer took narcotics for pain. (She had a morpheme pump!) She cried and cried about the decision but we were so very relieved! I could go on and on. Just know that I have added you to my daily prayers. Karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00934520412742387153noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-444221130150558371.post-86128048828220142912015-02-10T17:08:54.945-05:002015-02-10T17:08:54.945-05:00Karen, I can relate. Both sets of parents are gon...Karen, I can relate. Both sets of parents are gone now but we went through many of those same events. My tongue....oh, yes....it was sore, so sore. My mother saying "What's that concoction?" after my working all day and then coming home to fix a good meal. (Beef stroganoff was the "concoction"). it isn't easy but after they're gone, and you realize you are an orphan; yes, you feel like an orphan when you realize you don't have any parents anymore, you look for the funny things and the special times you all had together and they remain with you forever. Best of luck to you and know that you will live through it and you will know you've done what you could for them, the most any child can do. Glad your mojo is coming back, but don't be too hard on yourself. We'll all be here even if you only write once a week or once a month!QuilterinMotionhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08624854595176562054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-444221130150558371.post-30803544138667348522015-02-10T16:23:49.104-05:002015-02-10T16:23:49.104-05:00You are definitely not alone. With our parents liv...You are definitely not alone. With our parents living longer more and more of us are dealing with extreme old age and what that brings, such a double edged sword. I found myself trying to plan for very contingency for my own old age knowing what could happen so that my kids would not have to go through the same things but I know that hey too will be challenged and tested. It's the price of love and commitment. Just know that what you do now informs your children for their future and that you can eventually rest assured that you have done your very best.Dogwood Lane Rambleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11325307035803155779noreply@blogger.com