"Life is lived forward, but understood backward. It is not until we are down the road and we stand on the mountain looking back through the valley that we can appreciate the terrain God has allowed us to scale.” Jill Savage

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Alzheimer's Disease Can't Take Love Away

Alzheimer's Disease Can't Take Love Away (not my story, but one I read):

"It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's, arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am.

I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would to able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound.

On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound.

While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife.

I inquired as to her health. He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's Disease. As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now.

I was surprised, and asked him, "And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?"

He smiled as he patted my hand and said, "She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is."

I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought, "That is the kind of love I want in my life."

True love is neither physical, nor romantic. True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.

The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have."

Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain."

I've been waiting to find some thing to say to a fellow Blogger. It's hard for me to know what to say to her sometimes. I'm not even sure she visits me anymore, but I think I found something for her and I hope she reads it - this is her love story to her man.

Love,
Chatty

6 comments:

^..^Corgidogmama said...

Loved this. I agree, Mountain too High, is a compelling read, and I check that site everyday. Some days, I just tear up, and know that you do too. The strength that woman has, and how she copes everyday with her continuing heartbreak...it amazes me.
She does too.
Is it true, do you think, that we don't know how much we can handle until it's there, in front of us, to handle? If it's for a loved one, we probably have reserves, and can pull up our bootstraps.
But, how do you know?

Chatty Crone said...

I think all the suffering from the past - gives us strength for the now.

Olde Dame Penniwig said...

And as Dolly Parton said, "If you want the rainbows, you got to put up with some rain."

CDM, I think a person surely csn find the strength in the face of an awful situation. Maybe wisdom, best choices, or happiness won't be handy, but the strength will be, to at least muddle through.

Chatty, are you agreeing with Nietzsche, in "That which does not kill us makes us stronger"? I know many find comfort in the notion. I find that bad situations weaken me, but give me determination to keep fighting.

The elderly gentleman in your story is very noble.

Chatty Crone said...

Yes that part of his belief I agree with totally.

JeanMac said...

Sorry, I "need" to read you for my fix but have been away! Love J

Chatty Crone said...

JeanMac,
This one was for you and the wonderful love you have for your hubby. I've missed you too.