A JOYFUL MONTH

 

In these days of uncertainly I wanted to share a wonderful experience I recently had.  The readers of my BLOG are such giving people and I found there are others!  On our drive a couple of weeks ago we stopped at a WaWa for gas and a special coffee for me.  While I was checking out the cup sizes a tall man about 50ish said “Go for the super large, it’s cold out there” he left and I filled up the super large cup.  I went to pay and cashier said my coffee was already paid for.  My jaw dropped and I almost cried. There are good people out there.  Now I will be looking to pay it forward.  You should too….what a feeling.  Giving should not be left just for Holidays.

PS:  I was able to pay it forward in Jamaica to our airport bus driver. I’m not done.

At church we picked 2 boys from our church’s Angel Tree to make Santa a reality. We could have taken one child or a senior but 2 local brothers age 8 & 9 just tugged at my heart.  Our gifts will be all they get.  Can you imagine?   Please think of doing this for a child or a Senior.  If you can not do it alone share with someone, have friends and family contribute.  Giving is an awesome feeling.  Giving is not just for the Holidays.

Planning

I know I’ve done this topic before but I find it so important especially with the New Year right around the corner.  It will make a nice resolution.

We have a plan.  We made our plan almost immediately after my diagnoses.  I have thought about the day I was diagnosed many times and the way I would want to live my life.  If Alzheimer’s runs in your family then you have a longer time to plan.  Make that plan.

IT will not get better, IT will not go away and IT will kill you as there is NO cure. You need to plan, not only emotionally but financially.

One of my top requests is to remain independent for as long as possible.  Most of you know that I still remain opinionated, outspoken and feisty. Good for me!

 

I thought I’d give you the definition of DIGNITY as it seems lost to some.

Dignity

the state or quality of being worthy of honor or respect.

“a man of dignity and unbending principle”

a sense of pride in oneself; self-respect.

“it was beneath his dignity to shout”

self-respect, pride, self-esteem, self-worth

“he had lost his dignity”

My number ONE request towards the end is to preserve my dignity.  Please do not EXPLOIT me or others with Alzheimer’s.  This is being done to some and I am appalled that “loved” ones are resorting to begging for money using the person with Alzheimer’s as the “Poor Pitiful Me.”  Where did the dignity go?  Where did the planning go?  If you did not plan then I feel you have no right to exploit your loved one for any gain.  I am so sad.

All of us with Alzheimer’s should have our dignity respected, especially in the later stage.  At this point we do not know our loved ones and we are therefore unable to make decisions.  Dignity matters.  Please understand that.

Dignity always matters no matter what your life problems are.

 

So Sharron how are you doing?

I feel really really well.

We had a wonderful vacation in Jamaica and my Alzheimer’s behaved!!  HA!! and I gained weight – UGH!!

I know I’ve said this before but as my Alzheimer’s progresses and hard plans are being made connecting with family is important.  I am sad that so many remain with their heads in the sand.  I wish they would make that leap. It also saddens me to reach out and get nothing – you know who you are.  Why is connecting to family so difficult?  Are they afraid they will catch my Alzheimer’s?  Do they not care?  I reached out to three family members and no one responded.  I find this so sad for them.

The Holiday Season and I do not get along very well so I will try to have my best leg forward (that would be my left leg).  Even though I do not like large crowds I do envy families that celebrate the holidays by being together for days, cooking together and enjoying their time with family.  I have fond memories of the past that I can draw from – my parents were the best and were around not just for Holidays but all year, every year.  My door was always open.  It was bring on the wine then start cooking.  My little sister, I miss those times.  My sweet son, I also miss those times and hope you will always remember.

I think the best part of Decembers for me will be another leg surgery.  YEA!!!!  Not sure it will be so grand for Tom.  Sorry Big Redd.

My Holiday will be spent in bed and what a joy that will be.  I am praying that the removal of the two plates and 18 screws will alleviate my pain and improve my movement.  Prayers are always needed.  Therefore…..all I want for Christmas is a leg with no pain………..it’s been long enough.

Is that a sexy leg or what?

After all the joys of this month we start a new year.  Please pray for a safe and happy year.  This has been a rough year for so many.

 

 

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.  Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

 Be kind and be grateful