My father suffers from Altzheimer's and is in the last stages. He has not been able to read properly for some time and now cannot read words at all. I have sent him picture books for Christmas, to keep his brain stimulated. My mother's mother (Gran), suffered the same, so I have maternal and paternal genes floating around. I worry sometimes that I am a good candidate for the disease, but reading and writing keeps me ticking.
Anyway, I thought it sad that Dad could no longer enjoy a good book and cannot imagine not holding a curled up paperback and devouring each word. Now it appears he can no longer write.
I cannot imagine a day when I might not be able to read or write! So I experimented, hence my lack of blogs.
I tried to go several days without writing, it drove me to distraction. I went to write down a list of foods, a phone number and a note to DH. They were automatic responses to thoughts, stopping myself was so hard. I did not blog for several days, I avoided Twitter and other social sites I use. It was so frustrating, now I understand a little of Dad's agitation in the past.
I decided to bake instead and reached for my cookbook...well you get the picture.
Realising I must get my act together, I have started writing like mad and hope to get projects finished and started in 2010.
I am not making New Year resolutions, I don't need the pressure. I am just going to make the most of the time and use the precious gifts I have been given, the gift of a brain and eyes.
Is This Dad's Christmas?
A Question From Your Child Unanswered
9 Comments:
I feel for you. My dad has frontal lobe dementia. It's been really hard to see such a young man (he was in his mid-fifties when it started) change into someone I no longer recognize.
Interesting experiment. Good luck on your writing and thanks for visiting my blog.
Lynnette Labelle
http://lynnettelabelle.blogspot.com
I can't even imagine not being able to read or write. That would be such an empty existence for me. I don't have much beyond those two things.
I’m so sorry to hear about your father. Your post serves as a good reminder that we should take time to appreciate all those things we take for granted. Like Laura, I can’t imagine life without being able to read or write.
I'm so sorry to hear about your Father. It's terrible to be suffering so much. I cannot imagine not being able to read and write which is something we all take for granted. I think however you are right on New Years resolutions. I never make them because I believe that if there is something you want to do, why wait until New Years. Do it now when the mood strikes.
It's so sad. Like you, I cannot imagine not reading or writing. It must be so frustrating.
Glynis, I am crying while reading your post. No kidding, today is the anniversary of my father's death. He too suffered with Alzheimer's. I had to watch a man full of charisma fade away until he couldn't enjoy anything. I thought I would be relieved when he finally left us, but alas, that is not the case. Know that my heart goes out to you. Bless you, and your father,
Elizabeth.
I am so sorry to read about your father. I feel for you.
My paternal grandmother did not have Alzheimer's, but small multiple strokes in the brain (I don't know the scentific word for it) that made her very forgetful until one day the content of her personality just dropped out leaving her with very little recent or past memory. She would say the same thing or ask the same questions an endless number of times, because she forgot what she had just said.
My father did not become dement, but almost totally blind and therefore could not read anymore. We could read aloud for him. He was clear in his head until his last breath.
You are so right to remind us all of what a wonderful gift it is to be able to pick up a book and read on your own and understand and remember what you have just read.
Right now, I am helping my children five and eight years old, learn to read. I cherish each moment with them.
Best wishes
Anna
Wise and sad post, Glynis. I keep hoping the medical community will come up with new treatments for all the dementias.
I'm so sorry to hear about your father's condition, Glynis. I'm sending you and yours lots of love and light for the season and coming year. I also hope it proves to be a creatively success time for you. xx
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