Everyday—
I think of You
I miss You
I Love You

Whenever I share something with my parents or visit their graves, or engage in any conversation with them, this is how I bid them farewell. Even though I lost them both in 2006, this remains my heartfelt sign-off.

     We’ve all heard the term, “The Golden Years”, described as those wonderful years in the autumn and winter of life; a time when we are to be able to relax in retirement and enjoy the freedoms of being with our spouses, children and grandchildren.  A time advertised by marketers and pharmaceutical companies as carefree, worry-free and problem-free.

     I can tell you – it’s not always that rosy picture.  When I was caring for my elderly parents, it was more of a “Golden JOURNEY” than that of the idea of peace and tranquility they so deserved later in life.  From the time of discovering there was a problem all the way down the road to their final stages of life, the journey was winding with sharp curves and hairpin turns, climbing up steep hills and sliding down others.  We travelled on rough terrain and smooth paths, rocky trails and just a few light, breezy routes of respite and calm.

     This journey involved a spectrum of fear, confusion, desperation and despair.  And just when I thought I hit every emotion known to man, along came hopelessness and yes, guilt.  I was fortunate and blessed to have the undying support of my siblings who, at many times along the journey, talked me down and and pulled me from the proverbial edge of helplessness.  There were so many times I felt overwhelmed simply because I didn’t know how to care for them or get them the help they so desperately needed and deserved.

     I’m writing this blog in the hope that I can help some of you who might be going through the same thing with a loved one.  Maybe you’re in what I call the “Hmmm stage 🤔” and you’ve noticed that Mom is having some trouble finding the words to finish her sentences and even gets angry when someone finishes them for her.  Or possibly, Dad can’t remember why he came into the room more often than not.  You could notice that Aunt Penny’s daily medications are all still in the container at the end of the day and she swears she’s taking her daily meds when she’s supposed to.  Maybe Uncle Ben has a few bumps or bruises and he assures you he just bumped into the door but you can see that front porch step has some scrapes on it.  You already suspect some kind of problem and as much as you want to hope it just “typical aging”, deep down, you fear it’s not.

     Perhaps someone you love has already been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimers and you are at the what I call “Gotta Move 😟” stage. The doctors tell you that she needs care and quickly.  You know you need some help, but Where?  Who?  How?

     These are only a fraction of the decisions and situations you will face on this journey.  There will be times of panic and times of exhaustion.  But, if you have a place where you can go to get options, opinions, choices, ideas, suggestions and even some moral and emotional support – then ForMyParentsCare.com is where you can turn to.