The diagnosis of Alzheimer’s does not have to be a DEATH SENTENCE. It can be a call to growth, understanding, and a beautiful or at least a well-used life for the time available.
Given the trajectory of the illness, using the word HOPE causes one to wonder and to think.
The HOPE is not in "getting better" or "being cured." It isn't even in the hope of finding a cure in the lifetime of our loved one or in avoiding the illness for ourselves.
The HOPE is in finding a cure eventually; in informing the public of the nature of the illness so as to help dispel the stigma that seems to follow it. HOPE is in helping caregivers (family, friends, and medical people) learn how to support PWA, in being able to both live in the world of normalcy where the caregiver resides and the ability to cross into the world of the sometimes confusion, frustration, fear, anger, and loss of life skill abilities where PWA reside.
LOVE is what can carry you along this sometimes humorous, gift giving path and at other times treacherous journey. The peace comes on the other side of life as we know it, whether for you or the person you care for!
Thanks Susan. We have both been through a lot!
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