In 2017 my mom was diagnosed with early onset dementia. I moved back home from an hour away, while I worked. I was quick to find out, it wasn’t enough and decided to leave my position as a regional wholesale food manager, and move back home with mom. As much as she loved to cook, her forgetfulness had become a problem. I learned from her and took over preparing all her meals. Prior to my mom’s failing health, she spent the previous 15 years caring for first her sister in law, and then her ex son in law. She opened her heart and home to all, and now it was my turn.
Dementia is slow moving. At first changes are subtle but it takes its toll. Fast forward to September 2022, my mom suffered a series of strokes which affected her left side and her swallowing. The hospital told us she’ll now need skilled care. My sister and I decided we can do it and we did. I had to adjust her diet and found she loved when I’d make her poached eggs with whipped potatoes. It was her favorite. My mom fought three that stroke and two bouts of pneumonia not to mention countless uti’s … but the nurses at the hospital any time she went were always amazed how well cared for she was. I would do it all over again. Caring for my mom for those 6 years was the hardest job I ever loved. We lost my mom on November 1st, the day after her 96th birthday. Not a moment goes by without thinking of the memories. Now that I will be turning 63 at the end of March, and looking ahead I am trying to make ends meet. I am committed to finishing off my mom’s outstanding home equity loan in 18 months. I was fortunate to land a work from part time job which helps, but I just can’t make up for the 6 years of salary I lost to help mom. I plan on putting any assistance give back into home improvements as this house has been in our family since 1961. Thank you for taking the time to read and your consideration. God bless! Pic is my mom with my son and daughter in law.
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