Aftermath of Alzheimer's Life and Death

 When the tears of grief over a spouse have dried, eventually there can come a time of rational survey of just what has gone wrong with life.

Here we were, immersed in a life of happiness together and then a vicious killer intruded with the intent of destruction of beauty and goodness.

How can a human not be resentful and feel anger? These emotions are not to be denied. I know that some respond by their own death. I can  understand that choice. There is no shame in collapsing as a physical being and joining the beloved in the beyond, where ever that may be. 

In my instance I have chosen to live on and be as creative as possible. Now all that I think and create in writing and human relationships is not dominated by resentment and criticism of the natural order. I want to give that reality a hopeful face that is reflective of what we were before Alzheimer's disease. This is sounding like embracing the vicious side of Nature in a larger framework of meaning

That "embracing" is one challenging assignment. It means taking in stride the acid taste of intended poison of the spirit. There is a chance that mental paralysis will be the result. I know enough about what can happen in people to be aware that I am in a vulnerable place.

We chose words for our gravestone at Blue Hill Cemetery. "Our life flows on in endless song."

Expression of this feeling is basic to growing maturity as a human being. Perhaps criticism can be topped by appreciation. Perhaps new vistas of what people can be will appear as the horizon turns into reality. Creation of the New is forever possible.  The question comes back to me - Am I up to it?

Delton

Dentist office personel see early signs of Alzheimer's

Changes in dental home care is a signal that something is going on in a person's life. This is especially true with memory loss.

It may be carelessness that shows up in tooth brushing or flossing. It may be increasing decay that necessitates repairs or replacement of teeth.

I learn that many Dental offices do not have referral information on hand so cannot be helpful.

This was true of the Dental firm that does my work. I surfaced the subject with an Associate and both she and the Dentist expressed interest. I proceeded to make contact with the Help Line at 800-272-3900. They said information would be sent. This week in a visit to the Dental office the word was that the information had arrived and would be used with Staff.

Here is a concrete example of how surviving Care Givers can help the cause and improve service to people caught  up in the storm or anxiety accompanying Memory Loss. 

Delton