Five years ago today, on November 5, 2011, my cousin Liane (left) came to see us for what would be her last visit to Mom’s big red brick house on the hill. We marked the occasion with laughs, smiles, tons of fun and an impromptu photoshoot in Mom’s kitchen during which we clowned for the camera:
I share this image now because it reminds that every person who lives with dementia and every care partner who cares for someone who lives with dementia needs love and support. This is a part of life that simply cannot be undertaken alone. If you know someone who lives with dementia, please reach out to them.
I am so very grateful for the support I’ve had and still have from my cousin Liane, from friends near (in the village and across Canada) and far (many around the globe and some of whom I’ve never met), from people everywhere who follow this blog and leave comments (or not) and from complete strangers. Thank you so much from the bottom, top and sides of my heart; I know Mom thanks you too from heaven above. We could not have done what we did without you, and your continued support means everything to me going forward.
Thanks again. #FightTheGoodFight for better eldercare.
XOX Susan
2 Comments
It is just wonderful to have support and that, in itself, is a blessing. When I took care of my mom I had no support system, 4 little kids, and no one to help me. I look back and wonder how i ever did it and yet, in the end,I am happy that I was able to do my part to ease her towards the end of her time here on earth.
You cousin looks like a lot of fun! xo Diana
Diana, I don’t know how you could have done it either. I found it hard even though I was supported by a full-time professional care partner who is with us all day five days a week for most of the year that I lived with Mom in her own home in 2011/12. And there is still so many care partners out there who are trying to do this with too few resources not enough support. I was one of the very lucky ones 🙂