tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706262320848471533.post3296786079425535526..comments2023-10-08T01:28:56.278-07:00Comments on We Were Five: Our Journey With Alzheimer's: Blog 55: My First Alzheimer's Support Group MeetingLizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02178459531117569904noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706262320848471533.post-88536309329279883812012-12-15T11:34:48.095-08:002012-12-15T11:34:48.095-08:00Thank you, Anne. It's always comforting to kn...Thank you, Anne. It's always comforting to know others are there for you and understand what you are going through. That's the thing...people say they do, but they really don't know unless they have experienced it themselves...those are the ones who really know what to say and how to make you feel better. It is a club that we don't want to be a member of, but we are. I would rather write a different story, and that is why I try to write about the happy times too, because there were many. Even now, I can find a reason to smile when I'm with my mom. What you said about Renee is true. I agree that maybe the things she does are for a good reason, I just would like to be included in what's going on. A loving explanation would change everything. Take care, Anne.<br /><br />LizzieLizziehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02178459531117569904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706262320848471533.post-70348017404197095492012-12-07T21:44:04.286-08:002012-12-07T21:44:04.286-08:00I am so glad you found the support group and that ...I am so glad you found the support group and that you are volunteering at the nursing home. I love you so much mom!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706262320848471533.post-35358152427254602772012-12-06T10:51:33.124-08:002012-12-06T10:51:33.124-08:00sounds like you have found purpoe in your life and...sounds like you have found purpoe in your life and a whole lot of new friends. Support groups, run right, can be a God send. Latane Bartonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01745676377589651275noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706262320848471533.post-55836689121417653142012-12-03T16:22:27.526-08:002012-12-03T16:22:27.526-08:00Dear Lizzie,
While reading this post it reminded m...Dear Lizzie,<br />While reading this post it reminded me so very much of the experience I had with my support group. I think our groups are very similar. I always felt so empowered everytime I left and like you, I couldn't wait to attend the next meeting (they were only once a month). <br /><br />Regarding your sister Renee not wanting you to visit your mom for a couple of weeks....that may have been the request of the group home. I know that when we admitted my mom into the memory care wing they suggested the same thing to us because it takes several weeks for the 'patient' to acclimate to their new surroundings; typically they would become agitated. We didn't comply with their request because of the guilt we felt by leaving her there and it caused her stay to be terrible for all of us. We eventually took Mom back home (big mistake) because she never had the chance to acclimate and we felt guilty. So...I hope that makes you feel better about what your sister said. Of course, I don't know the circumstances for which she said that but I am assuming that is why. I don't know why she wouldn't explain that to you, however. <br />I truly hope that you and all of your sisters will be able to come together now. You will all need each other so much during all of this. <br /><br />I really feel for you Lizzie. I can completely relate to what you are going through and how you are feeling. Everything you have described is exactly the way I was feeling. I'm very sad that my mother is now gone but there is a sense of relief that all of that is over. I am comforted knowing that Mom is no longer living in a constant state of fear and confusion. <br /><br />I really feel a strong connection with you and all of the other caregivers of parents with dementia/alzheimers. It's such a terrible 'club' to be a member of and we all need each other.<br /><br />Thinking of you Sweetie. Keep doing what you know is right. You are doing a wonderful job of being such a sweet and caring daughter to your sweet mom. <br />xoxo<br />Anne BalcomAnne Balcomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10160347040948744629noreply@blogger.com