Good morning. First and foremost I want to personally thank each person who commented on my latest Instagram post. I am overwhelmed and humbled by the support and encouragement. In fact, so emotional I need to take a moment before responding to everyone.
If you did not see it or are not on Instagram, I have decided to share more of our journey with mom on a new account called Love and Open Arms. In my wildest dreams, I never imagined that sharing Tuesdays with Mom would have such an impact or illicit such a response. There are so many of you in a similar situation. If you are not in a similar situation, you may be curious about Alzheimer’s or wonder how it affects families. Or maybe you are facing a different type of disease and need a way to connect.
My hope is to not only demystify Alzheimer’s a bit but to let people know they are not alone. It can be such an isolating disease and it’s hard to show up every day. It’s painful and relentless but there are such moments of beauty. Even if they are fleeting.
Every case is different and no one will manifest symptoms exactly like my mom, but in sharing her story I hope to raise awareness and offer hope that there is still love and joy in the journey.
You are welcome to follow along but there is no pressure to do so. I simply want this to be a space that can encourage, inform and support anyone desiring that. I never dreamed that when I started A Thoughtful Place (and my mom was reading) we would some day be sharing this type of story. I wish with every fiber of my being it were different. But life has a way of switching it up on us and we are called to make the best of it. Better yet, learn from it.
On a good day, we are so fortunate because mom greets us with huge open arms. And always love. My parents raised us the same way. They encouraged us in ways that have served us for our lifetime. In the face of really difficult times it’s amazing what showing up with arms wide open can yield.
It is with love and open arms that I invite you on this journey. I don’t know how often I will post or what it will look like, but it will be raw and real. Thank you for all of the love and support.
@love_and_openarms
* To read more of our journey, go here.
This is such a great idea! I’m sure it will be so helpful and soothing to the hearts of many, and I hope that it will be for you as well. I’m not dealing with Alzheimers, but I just love your mom and seeing how you bond with her. It warms my heart, makes me smile and inspires me.
Beautiful and very gracious….
You are kind and gracious and so very Thoughtful for opening up all parts of your life to others. There is no doubt that many, many people find comfort in your words and experiences. May you also find comfort thru the challenging days knowing how you’ve touched, and will continue to touch and inspire so many lives in such a positive, selfless way. I look forward to continuing to follow your journey both here and thru @love_and_openarms
Even though I am not on this path, I do know others who have traveled it. Your openness and optimism sheds so much light on this experience, and I take so much inspiration from your grace!
Your mom is just beautiful. Through sharing your journey with others I pray it helps you find some peace and comfort; knowing you are helping others.
My mom has Alzheimer but the responsibility fell on my sister’s shoulders. My family is on the Atlantic coast, while I’m on the Pacific. I feel bad that I’m not there to help. While holding down a full time job, she tends to my mom. God bless her!
Jann Arden wrote of her mom’s dementia and the difficulties it presents, not only to them but to their caretakers. It brings awareness to those who are fortunate enough to not have it touch their families and gives comfort to those who do. I think blogging about your mom helps you deal with it and informs others about the disease. Seeing you and your family surrounding her with love touches my heart.
My heart just swelled seeing the joy on your mom’s face when she saw you. Oh, those dimples.
Love you’
Aunt Thea
Love this and you sweet friend. You have been given a beautiful testimony to share.
Thank you for sharing your journey with your mom with all of us. Your insta stories of Tuesdays with your mom always warms my heart. I don’t personally have anyone in my family with this horrible disease but just seeing the love you and everyone in your family has for your mom, and in return the love she has for all of you, is very inspiring. No matter what you are share on your blog I always love it because you are so genuine and sincere.