Hold Those Memories Tight of the Alzheimer’s Journey & Before
March 6, 2008 by Mary Emma Allen
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
Surviving the aftermath of caregiving and a family member’s death can take a terrific toll on you. You now have the time from those daily tasks, whether physical caretaking or visiting and overseeing in a nursing. However, it may be too much time to think about the memories of the “might have beens” when you think you could have done differently.
Instead, hold tight those memories that are uplifting. I find, the longer it’s been since Mother’s death, the less the hurt and loss and the more memories that bring a smile. Even the Alzheimer’s years memories find a pleasant nook.
*Write down some of those memories…for your yourself, your family and to help others.
*Create a scrapbook of different phases of your family member’s life. I’ve put together one I call A Legacy of Love, about Mother and our activities and interaction with her during the Alzheimer’s years. As I did this, I realized many of those memories were happy ones of times we brought her joy.
*Make a collage of memories to represent different occasions.
*Jot down stories about mementoes that have meaning. I’ve begun to develop a journal with stories about Mother’s wedding dress, her wedding gift quilt, the bird identification book she used, the wedding ring she wore for more than 60 years and other items.
*Compare memories with other family members. You’ll learn you each recall differently.
What are you doing to hold fast to those memories that will uplift you and become a heritage for future generations?
(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen
Mom started a journal with Dad right after his diagnosis. There are about 14 letters written to his children that describe his childhood play, his favorite family activities, etc. They are priceless. Hand-written, just glimpsing them brings a level of connection.