Losing a parent before you lose the parent

[woodsprite]

7. I'm so sorry that your family is going through this.

People who haven't been touched in some way by Alzheimer's, dementia, or Pick's have little idea of how it affects the whole family.

We're in that process right now with my FIL. I've known him for 42 years. Have been his daughter-in-law for 34 of those. I miss him for myself, for my husband, and for our kids who will miss his guidance and the passing down of his knowledge and advice. I miss him for my MIL who has been his constant companion for 63 years. He's at the stage where Mom is his security blanket. She can't leave his side.

It's good that you're able to be with them frequently. Even if your mom is having issues remembering, at least you're there for your dad. I watched some videos provided by one of the Alzheimer support groups about how to communicate with patients when their memory really starts fading and it helped when we were visiting with Dad over Xmas.

Holding you and your family in my thoughts.