I stayed with my sister-in-law who is so devoted to my mom, understanding dementia that her father had the last five years of his life. She knows how to make my mom laugh and how to limit visits to protect the weary. Playing Mexican Train with her friends around the pool for two hours was a great stress reliever for one woman checking in on her husband at the hospital (a 20-year experience) and another waiting out the repair of a rental unit that a man, 90, ran into with his vehicle before his family realized he should be in assisted living, And us
"Buddy did well", another sister-in-law reported about their bus trip to New England (he has dementia going on four years).. "Everything was first class. The tour operator added two days and we (eight friends went along) had a great time." This weekend they are off to see his brother's family and her father, 95. They make this 3-hour drive every other week to ensure her dad's safety, liven up the house, and fill the refrigerator with homemade meals. She shares this love and dedication with another sister and her husband. This visit they will support his brother who is in a nursing home.
My mind wanders to those, like me, that live hundreds of miles from family. My extended family includes two kindergarten boys I mentor each Monday. What a great way to start my week and keep me humble.
Marvin Orenstein, 90, is my hero of the day. http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/section/6/article/58394/
Please share your heroes with me. I am confident they are all caregivers of one form or another.
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