Thursday, September 2, 2010

Reflect

Lately, I have been preoccupied with getting my house in order and having company for Labor Day weekend. I've missed being able to read blogs and to post. I plan to post later next week when things settle down. At that time, I'll do my final post re our trip to Prague. (maybe near the end of next week, I don't want anyone think, I've gone to ..., but I"ll be back. Before I finish this "post", I sit here and can't help to think we , including myself are so blessed. As, I say this, I am appreciative of being alive and for the abilities I have. Just think, what if you couldn't think. A few weeks ago, I saw a retired co-worker at Walmart. She and I were foster care workers together for 8 years. She had humour, guts, and compassion. When I saw her I immediately said hello. She came over to me, hugged me, and then went off with I assume her son. I went home and told my husband that i saw this person, but that something wasn't right. She didn't say anything to me and her hair was all wild looking. Not the same person who I knew took care in herself. Well, I saw 2 also retired co workers. They shared with me that in the past 2 years that Alzheimer's was diagnosed and that this smart woman couldn't manage her affairs as well as talk. I cried, she had gotten her Masters in the past 4 years and was a goal driven person. She is also younger than my 61 years. Can't help to cry and grieve. We never know what path we might have to take. This could be ourselves. My point, appreciate the NOW, as well as THE PAST as we may not have the ability to hold onto this as life circumstances happen. I pray, cry and ask God to watch over my friend and her family. Take care, have a safe Labor Day weekend. Until next week. God Bless.

25 comments:

  1. Oh so true, Rose! How sad about your co-worker and friend. We all seem to have the "it won't happen to me" mentality. I do try to enjoy every day and every moment! Thanks for the reminder, though!

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  2. Good morning, Rose! I suffered with my grandmother through Alzheimer's many years ago. This lady is very unusual, because they say that exercising your mind helps, and she just got her degree!! You just never know!! Well, they still are not sure what causes it, it is a horrible thing. Every minute is a gift. Hope you have fun with your company and don't stress out too muvh about hostising duties. I have been waiting to see the rest of your trip, and am glad you will still be posting it, that will be something to look forward to!

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  3. That's such a sad story, but, unfortunately, seems to be all too common these days what with alzheimers and cancer of some form seeming to be part of so many family stories. I think we are especially afraid of alzheimers since it's gotten so much attention the last couple of decades, coming out of the 'old age dementia'closet to being one of the most talked about diseases of anyone over 40...and the boomers living longer has allowed so many families to witness a loved ones horrible decline up close and personal. I saw it with my dad, and fear it almost as much as cancer. Well, life deals us what it will.

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  4. A well known writer is now suffering Alzheimer's. I can't imagine what he's going through... he will forget how to write.
    Having said this, however, I would rather suffer that than the ravages of cancer. And I've witnessed both.
    It's not fair is it? We work hard all our lives, we pay our dues, yet some of us suffer terribly.
    It's sad

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  5. My sister has Alzheimer's and it breaks your heart every time I visited. I was the only one here that visited her. Her husband died and her son lives in Omaha. It is a very long goodbye. Thank you for your encouragement. This is the 3rd time for my heart and I think it is still in sync.

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  6. So sorry to hear about your friend! My grandma has Alzheimer's. It's very sad.
    I hope you have a great Labor Day too. :)

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  7. You have such a kind and tender heart. I feel bad for this poor lady and especially her family who have to watch her decline and take care of her. I watched my Aunt go through this with my Uncle. It's a horrible disease. I don't even say the words "when I retire"..just enjoy each day and see what comes, thanking God for every bit of it.

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  8. It is difficult to meet up with someone we used to know, only to find out that their memory has gone. Many prayers going out this day and everyday for your friends,

    Jane

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  9. I too am so thankful for my blessings and hope that I can be there for others. Have a good weekend.

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  10. Your words are so true and so heartfelt. I am so sorry for your friend. Alzheimer's is such a horrible disease. I thank God for each day of health that my family and I have. We never know what tomorrow might bring. Happy Labor Day to you!

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  11. Oh my goodness! You are so right- we never know how lucky we are! Thanks for the reminder to appreciate all I have. I love you. And for the record- I am so thankful for you in my life! Love you!

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  12. That is very tough. I've known a few people with it before and it is hard.

    Take care!

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  13. I am so afraid that one day something like that will happen to me. It's one of the reasons that I began to blog. If I can't remember things one day, then I can at least read about them. Enjoy your weekend, and your company. Kathy

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  14. We never know, do we? I worked at a long term care facility with Alzheimer patients, and I just loved them. It was hard for families to deal with, knowing the person that was once in that body - but when you get 're-acquainted' with the 'new' person, it can turn into an unexpected blessing sometimes. It's kind of like flipping a page in a book, and it's not always a horror story.

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  15. SO SORRY ABOUT YOUR FRIEND, I KNOW I WOULD NOT WANT TO GO THAT WAY, BUT WE DON'T REALLY KNOW WHAT LIFE HOLDS FOR US. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF, HAVE A REAL NICE LABOR DAY WEEKEND.
    RIZZI

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  16. I know Alzheimer's is different from dimensia. My grammie had dimensia and it was just heart breaking to see her and she couldn't remember her life or even us. My dad also has it but it isn't nearly as bad.

    I'm hoping that when it does hit me it will be less severe.

    Gotta love and appreciate what functions we have right now.

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  17. I's sorry about your friend Rose - sorry for her too. Hope she doesn't know. sandie

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  18. Alzheimer's is a heart breaking disease. I'm longing for the cure to be discovered. Mortality is not something I like either.

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  19. I pray that your friend will trust in God to get her through the tough times ahead.

    in Jesus Name Amen!

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  20. Aw jeez... Alz is such a horrible disease. Hidden disabilities are the hardest. I know i deal with a hidden disability daily with my boy... its rough.

    I'm so glad i jumped back online before you left! I miss you Rose! Summer was hectic and my kids needed a lot of attention. Darn Kids... whatta they think i am.. they're mother???? ;) Anyways glad i caught you before you went to Prague... have loads of fun!!!!

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  21. We have the moment. We can plan for the future, we can save, we can study, we can help others, we can have fun, there is much that we can do, but the only thing we have for sure, except God, is the moment. So, we should be grateful and try to make somehting count for everyday.

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  22. Mya just spoke the truest words.

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  23. It is a lesson worth learning and then remembering-- as we tend to go about our days without being thankful for what we have been blessed with.

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  24. That is so sad...
    You are so right Rose, we have so much to be thankful for.

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  25. Rose we are truly blessed us for being spared right now and for having someone to care about

    Jenn
    http://www.momentsofelegance.com

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