Alzheimer’s/Dementia

smiles

Make it a smiley kind of day!!
#nurturedheart #GrowinGreatness #bestday

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We have found lots of ways to turn things into smiles as we traverse this journey.  It’s not always easy, but the results are definitely worth while.  Last night, a case in point after a pretty rough start earlier in the day…

We were very fortunate to have the opportunity to care for our youngest grandchild last night for a few hours.  His face lights up when he sees us and especially when he connects with Grandma Great!  Those brief moments of touch and more.

He’s too big and squirmy for her to hold for long now, but he reached out and held on to a finger for a few seconds and the joy in her face and voice were well worth it.  She avidly watched as he rolled on the floor chasing his toys from one side of the room to the other.  She was delighted even more when he rolled to her feet and tickled her toes through her slippers.

I’ve no doubt that memories from long ago as we were all growing up were brought back to mind.  Her smiles lasted the rest of the night and even as she laid her head on her pillow for one last hug for the day and a kiss….

perspectives

When you learn to appreciate the core of who you are,
you will see the whole “package” …

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with an amazing and beautiful perspective of the real you.
#Alzheimers #bestday #family

I’ve seen Mom cringe more than a few times she looks at herself in the mirror over the past couple of years.  She hasn’t been happy with what she was seeing reflected back at her.  BUT….that’s not the woman I see.  I see her beauty from the inside out.  She’s still ‘Mom, Grandma, and Grandma-Great” and always will be to her extended family.  White and silver hair, a few wrinkles, don’t define her … She has an amazing story to tell and there are still a few stories in her eyes as we look through old photo books and she shares bits and pieces of the memories that come flowing out.
Yesterday, we had our monthly family gathering — a few of her grandchildren and great-grands joined us.  It was an amazing afternoon and evening.  There was laughter, tears, joy and so much more.  We had a beautiful time as the great-grands picked their pumpkins from our “patch” and delighted as they opened a small bag of goodies at the end of the evening.  Mom was just as excited for them as they were!

Mom’s demeanor was light, filled with smiles and joy  and even a twinge of sadness as they all gathered their jackets, put on their shoes and headed back to their own homes as bedtimes grew closer — then, as we initiated her bedtime routine last evening, she paused at the mirror and said, “Not bad!”

Mission accomplished for the day!

 

Be True to you…

Let your true you be bright and shine for the world
to see you for who you are.
#nurturedheart #GrowinGreatness #BestDay

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This image was inspired by a posting made by @Soulseeds a few years back.  I hope you’ll find something that you’re searching for today in yourself and let it be colorful and bright. Share it with those around you.  That’s our plan for the day!  Have a #bestday!

Listen in the stillness

Listen in the quiet moments of the day..
there’s much to hear, see and celebrate!
#nurturedheart #GrowinGreatness

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I sometimes get caught up in the messiness that is part of my “every” day — and when that happens and the anxiety or overwhelm builds in what isn’t going well –  I need to remember I have the capability to filter that out and can choose to find ALL that is going well.  It’s really my choice as to what I see, hear and feel.

Today, I have the intention of listening in those quiet moments and let the goodness I see and feel be my guides and cherish the joy that fills my heart and hope that as my momentum grows in seeing the good, others will join me and we will all enjoy another #bestday.

Radiate Positivity

Radiate some positive today —
your heart will feel better at the end of the day.

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Despite the pitfalls on any given day, how you choose to meet them makes a difference in the energy you share with others.  I’ve noticed that Mom is particularly sensitive to my energy.

Yesterday was a particularly frustrating day when it came to completing a few tasks — nothing was going right. I definitely needed to reset. Shrugging off my frustration and leaving it at the door – with a ceremonious wiping of the feet on the doormat changed the flow of energy from negative to positive in just a few brief seconds. There was a notable shift — as we started over with a brand new moment and an energetic shift to the positive again. .

Be sensitive to the energy you share and make it a #bestday for all by sharing a positive attitude.

from small things

From small and tender acts
come mighty testaments
of your strengths and character.

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Sometimes, it’s the little things that bring the greatest rewards.  Heart to heart.  Acknowledging the frustrations; declaring the characteristics that demonstrate strength, persistence, willingness to keep trying, determination to complete the task at hand and so much more.  The smile at the end makes it all so very worthwhile.

it’s all about the magic

Find the magic in your day!

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We’ve experienced one of those very long nights — filled with conversations, visitors and the urge to answer the door. There are moments  that hold a magic that can’t be shared… there were several last night I was privy to and will hold them dear.

As dawn approaches, I feel blessed to be a part of this, despite my own personal weariness and to share her excitement at what lies beyond the “closed” door she want’s to open.

Here’s to the awesomeness today holds for us as the sun’s light begins to rise above the peaks of the mountains.  #bestday

limitless

Today is your day to go from “limits” to “limitless!”

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There are days that we don’t expect much — yesterday started out as one of those days…. just an off sort of start –  but for whatever reason, ended up on a whole other level.  Lucidity, decision making, empowerment… it was all there.  Lesson learned:  Don’t close the door to the possibilities that today could be the #bestday yet!  Yesterday certainly was and today could be too!

Just Sit….

To be your best…

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As “caregivers” we all need to remember self-care.  Even 10 minutes a day is better than none.

We often get caught up in the day to day business of caring, providing, connecting, mundane tasks and chores, and more — forgetting that we need to take care of ourselves in a most kind and loving way — the same way we care for others.

This isn’t selfish — your cup needs refilling too. Running on empty isn’t good for anyone.

Set aside 10 minutes today — take the opportunity to breathe, refill, regenerate, BE!  You’ll feel better and so will those you are caring for.

Thanks, dear family and friends for the gentle reminders — I’m grateful for your caring and love that keeps me in a good place.

big feelings…

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It’s okay to have big feelings…..how we deal with them
makes a big difference in the outcome.

It’s been a while since we’ve experienced a major anxiety attack.  I’m very grateful.  For in those moments, it’s very apparent that the “trigger” brings some strong feelings/emotions to the surface that aren’t usually seen during our “regular” days.

Yesterday, we saw Mom struggle with some pretty strong emotions for a brief spell.  When this happens, she experiences tremors and these were strong.

We’ve been working on how to handle those moments of  overwhelm.  Before I had time to react, I saw her stop in her footsteps; she took a deep breath, slowly exhaled and repeated the process two more times.  The Parkinson-like tremors she had been experiencing were gone.  I observed the smile that spread across her face as she recognized she had made it through with amazing success!

For many, this would be an easy process.  This is a relatively new practice for her — but she’s learning it and it’s taken hold.  I’m in awe!  She’s pretty dang AWESOME!  Major anxiety attack averted.