Alzheimers affects families

Recently I came across an article titled something like “Alzheimer’s affects families”. To me I never read the article because all I thought was “Well duh” among a few other phrases.

My kids have all dealt with their dad having Alzheimer’s differently but also at times more so. Liz was so disconnected after being in Ireland that when she came home for Christmas she could not deal with it at all. She ran from it and from him. Eric was at home with him Joe all the time and he struggled to try to take care of his father.

Eric went back to school for the quarter and has been home on break. Liz came home two months ago for rotations. I must admit I feared this. The two of my three that least get along at home with Dad…what could go wrong. I am so grateful for how this has all played out.

This afternoon Eric came to the kitchen with “Dad what are you trying to do”. He took over and helped his Dad . After a twelve hour work day, Liz told some things she had noticed about Dad. We ended up moving some furniture to make things a little better. When I was on mission trip, Liz stepped up and took care of her Dad solely. This was a huge responsibility for her. I left at 6:30am and got home after 10pm.

These so basic and not so easy things I wanted from my kids when their Dad was diagnosed but they were not emotionally capable of. Tonight, in their simple interactions, I am so thankful to God for how they have come to not only accept where their Dad is, but to express their love and care for him were he is not where they want him to be.