“Sorrow makes us all children again — destroys all differences of intellect. The wisest know nothing.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
Dear Kathryn,
Alzheimer’s is a wretched disease – and the loved ones of its victims always seem to face the harder challenges. I can hear the stress and worry this has brought to you and your family.
Grief, for you, causes fear and uncertainty and that is completely understandable. Perhaps it is something different for your sister… everyone lives their sorrows differently. As Vera said, we mustn’t be afraid to grieve – and shared grief can bring hearts closer.
I know you know ignoring this is not going to make anything better, and it’s not going to make it go away. You are no stranger to adversity. I’ve read how you came face to face with your addiction – and now you deal with it brilliantly every day.
I truly believe you can also face your Mother’s illness and deal with it in much the same way. With knowledge and support you will know what to do.
Here is a number for the Alzheimer’s Association Helpline (at ALZ.org) – it is manned 24/7 and you can speak to someone immediately. While they may not be able to provide you with all of their services, the site is a wealth of information and they can direct you to resources available where you live.
1.800.272.3900
There is also an Alzheimer’s Disease online support site similar to GT. Their message boards are filled with people affected by AD who will understand everything you are feeling right now and can offer you (and your sisters) support and advice. Its web address is:
ALZconnected.org.
I’m sure you can find many other resources on the internet, but this is a start and I hope it helps. Of course you know your friends will always be here on this site when you need them.
Wishing you strength and comfort,
Adele