A cabin in the wilderness

My aunt Mildred, who lives near the wilderness, has dementia, wanting peace, quiet and to be in control of her own life. She is having hallucinations now and some memory problems. She has spent most of her life taking care of my grandparents, who were abusive and controlling. She doesn't see it that way though... She has never complained. Now she just enjoys the peace of the mountains and sweetness of each wildflower. A hard winter is coming. We have tried to prepare with wood and food and supplies. But we are worried. Will she remember where she is?  Get lost  thinking she is taking a walk where she lived as a child?  In better days she was clear she wanted to "live and die" on the mountain. It was easy to agree then. Now we are not sure. Loving her is so easy... Making decisions for her well being is beyond difficult. But every day I thank God She is in my life. 

9/15. Just a cowgirl.

     Mother's not using her walker and she's taking off her Lifeline when it bothers her. She is so stubborn, but I do admire her determination. She lives life by her rules, sometimes harsh, sometimes fun. I love who she is and how God has made her when I see her apart from me, from my needs and worries. How she has survived. A cowgirl determined to be on an adventure...now with no fellow traveler, as my Dad died years ago. As I write this, I see she's still on an adventure. We both are. 

     

Sept 8, 2015

The sun is coming up over the mountains as I'm planning the trip to Pecos to see my aunt with dementia. I'm feeling so fortunate that she has people who care about her and help me to think about how to deal with all the new issues that come up. She's 85 and lives by herself near the wilderness. This winter may be colder and wetter and leaves her more isolated. Jerry and Kathy are the only people who will have access to her for some winter months. Their caring for Mildred is selfless and generous. These are people who make the hard parts of caregiving a blessing. 

8/15

Blogging Newbie

After some convincing from my daughter, I have decided to share some of my stories and personal journey through being a caretaker of a mother with Alzheimer's, an aunt with dementia, and sometimes my husband and daughter :). In these entries are my struggles, laughter, and joy.