GOD HELP ME HELP MY MOM

 This is an email I sent out yesterday to my children, cousins, dad & U., aunt and uncle, and very close friends.

   After I read it again this afternoon I realized that it contained some information that I didn't put in my blog post yesterday so I thought I would post it for you to read.

   I'm also going to include some pictures of my mother so you can see how dear she is/was.
Now I'm going to tell you where we are now.

   This may sound somewhat like the first "mom" post, but it will give you some more information. 

Mom has been released from "the clinic" (i have no idea what it's called) where they were able to find the right medication for her to allow her to go to sleep at night.

After a couple of nights of sleep it's amazing the difference in her "attitude".

So, that seems to be working for the time being.

 we do love to shop!! 

this shopping trip was in downtown kalamazoo. so fun.

Mom has been diagnosed with vascular dementia as a result of the fall she took about three years ago. 

She has been released from the clinic that determined her dementia and her medication.

She is now residing in a facility called Claire Bridge in Kazoo. It's independent living (I think I'm the only one that wonders if this is what mom needs. we'll see).

The facility is gorgeous. If you would like to send her a card, not that she'll understand - she may think you're her sister - I know personally how wonderful it is to get "fun" mail. Let me know if you want to send a card & I'll give you her address. You'd be such a blessing to her and to me.

 Mom & Sophie; Sophie LOVED the ranch. 

Every year she spent three months with us and we had so much fun!

This is a picture of mom holding a newborn goat which Sophie is checking out.

She has an "apartment", kinda like an efficiency apartment. Her bedroom is at one end and a sitting/TV area is at the other end. And, of course, there's a BR.

We, her kids, have taken all possible measures to make sure she will be safe in her new setting in addition to what the facility provides.

My sisters and brothers have had some of her furniture moved like her couch, end table, bedding, some of her amazing ccs she has on her walls, etc.

Her first night was last night and even though she is given a 24 hour private nurse for her first 24 hours, Eileen went ahead and spent the night because she

was restless and confused. (the word "confused" never hurt my heart before now)

 Mom is on the right. This is her family when she was in high school (I think).

Today's report is that she is "pissy" (a sibling's word, not mine) which basically means that she's being mean and uncooperative because she didn't 

get a good night's sleep. She's very upset that no one will take her home to her mother's.

This is our eldest, Craig, and his sweet Grammy, my mom.

Needless to say, this has been a roller coaster for all of us. She only started showing symptoms a month ago.

The doctor said that is how vascular dementia postures.

   I haven't been there yet; you know I'm going the first of the year, but I think she's almost full blown from what I've heard. I could be wrong (oh, so doubtful). 

Russ has been able to fly up several times as his flight from Florida is 200.00 round trip.

I've been stuck in Texas because round trip from here is 800.00.

So, we've all had our own type of Hell handling this.

   But, though we all have done what we can, I must give a shout out for my little brother, Russ (he'll love that!). He has really made me proud the way he has stepped up and taken over many of the aspects involved in this process.  

 My mom when she was younger. 

She was a knockout (though the haircut isn't showin' that too much).

If you've never experienced having a parent w/ dementia, I sincerely hope you never do.

It's horrible. It's so horrible.

When I drive up the first of the year I'm going to see someone other than my mom.

This woman is going to be confused, she probably won't know who I am, and there's a good chance I'll witness my gentle mom being evil.

God help me to help her.

 Clayman holding Sophie, making a silly face (that's new)

with his Grammy.

You can't possibly understand the dread I have as I face this trip north.

(I'll be there from the 3rd - 17th *approx.*)

I'll keep the updates coming if there's any change though I don't feel there will be.

I will send you pictures of her new home so you can look for them.

My SIL, Eileen, helping mom separate ccs thread.

Mom's love for so many years has been doing very complicated ccs

projects. I'm going to miss seeing her work on her pieces.

Pray for Junie/SAJ/Grammy/Aunt/mom.

And, please pray for her kids.

The most eloquent prayers for me because I'm her favorite. 

Be sure and let me know if you want her address. Blessings.

Love, Jan

Mom as a little girl.

pls. respect my copyright