Losing a parent before you lose the parent

[Siwsan]

4. That's what my mother died of, 4 years ago this month

She forgot who most everyone was - she called my brother by my Dad's name. But, for some reason, she always recognized me. I always found that ironic because, out of her children, we had the most contentious relationship.

The most difficult phase was when she was always so angry. Always threatening to call the police on us or accusing us of stealing from her. But then, a few months before she died, she went into a very child like, somewhat contented phase that lasted until she took a fall. From there it was a quick spiral.

I look back, now, and try to pinpoint when the disease first made it's appearance. I was the one who was always helping her, after my Dad died, so I think the gradual change was lost, on me. Then I went into a short denial phase. It's a hard diagnosis to accept.

My heart will be with you, as you go through this transition.