Helping Each Other

Life with Mom

—-This is a story of a shared life with Mom after her diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease.—

It’s been almost four months since we moved in with Mom, and we’ve developed a comfortable rhythm together.   This short amount of time has shown us how helpful we can be to each other.  The other day, I needed something from the grocery store and Mom ran and got it.  She needed a letter and some address labels printed, and I did that for her.   A few days ago, we lost power around dinner time from a storm, and she lit the gas stove with a match.  It was something I was afraid to do.

Brian mows the lawns, and Mom gets our mail and newspaper every day.    I planted the flower garden, she helped me in the kitchen for a small gathering we were having.   She often prepares the side dishes for dinner, and I help her with hanging new blinds and curtain rods.  Brian changes her light bulbs, and she washes our throw-rugs at the laundry mat.

Beyond helping each other, we go more places and do more things together.  Mom and I have seen 3 plays since we moved in.  She never says no to an offer to walk the dogs for our 2 mile loop.  And, she comes along on picnics and gatherings with Brian’s family.

Doing things with and for each other is so much easier when living together.

It’s a win, win.  We all benefit.