Monday, November 12, 2007

A 19 Year Death


As I write this my partner Harvey is with his mother waiting for her to take her last breath. We had a call from the nursing home this morning to say that she was dying.
This is the longest death I have known for she has suffered from Alzheimers for 19 years. Our daughter Charlotte who is 22 has never known her grandmother properly.
A dog would not be allowed to suffer as this woman has and the only consolation now is that she will soon be at peace.
Bye Alison.

25 comments:

Ilva said...

Oh I feel for you, my mother has had Alzheimer's for more than 12 years now and I'm always expecting that call. Sad but the most humane way

JanelleGrace said...

That is a very hard thing to do. My grandma had Alzheimer's, she died two years ago, but I never knew her and she never knew me.

My aunt, a wonderful, sweet woman, had Parkinson's and it was horrible to watch her health and her entire persona decline.

Anonymous said...

This is such tragic suffering for everyone.

Anonymous said...

At this difficult time my thoughts are with you.
Its such a dreadful thing Alzheimers

Bibbi said...

I hope suffering for all of you will soon be over. My mother is in a much earlier stage of Alzheimers and I realize she has a very difficult road ahead.

Anonymous said...

I agree. My grandma is in the same situation. I don't even remembrer how she really was.

Anonymous said...

A hug to you and Harvey.
Love, Helen

Anonymous said...

This is so very sad our thoughts are with you all at this very difficult time.

Kelly said...

my thoughts are with you and your family. *hug*

Queenie said...

As you know Di I recently lost my mother to the same tragic disease. My thoughts are with you..

rochambeau said...

Dearest Di,
Thinking of you and your husband and Alison. May you all be surrounded by peace and light.

with love,
Constance

Barb McMahon and Alan Mailloux said...

The powerlessness you feel when someone you love is suffering is the hardest thing of all. My heart goes out to you.

What's Haute said...

sad news, sorry to hear that

Anonymous said...

Di,
So sorry to learn you and Harvey are going through such a difficult time. Such a tragedy. My love to both of you.

kstyle said...

Am thinking of you both at this difficult time. Such a devastating disease. k

Anonymous said...

You don't know me but I'm just so sad for you, for your partner, for your daughter, and for her... Bon courage...

design dna said...

peace and love from our family to yours.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to hear of the news...thinking of you and your family.

paris parfait said...

Oh Di, thank you for your note, in the midst of all this suffering. Am so terribly sorry and am sending you and Harvey a note. xoxox

Unknown said...

I have gone through this 2 times...and completely agree...we WOULD NOT let your pets go through this.

I won't burdon you with my details but my heart goes out to your family.

Sandra Evertson said...

So very sorry to hear, but at least she will soon be at peace.
Sandra Evertson

Alice Regan said...

Such a difficult time for all of you. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family.

Jen of MadeByGirl said...

what a terrible disease....i was watching Anderson Cooper yesterday and there was a report on Alzheimers. It was about a couple who had been together for years then the husband got the disease and had to be placed into a nursing home. He didn't recognize his wife anymore and while in the nursing home he fell in love with another patient who also had Alzheimers. Even though this happened, his wife of many years continued to visit him,and although he didnt remember her, she sat next to him in the visiting quarters while he held this other woman's hand.... It was such a sad story, but at the same time full of love. I hope that you all feel better that she will not suffer any longer and that this terrible illness is no more a part of her life.
Happy Thanksgiving....
Jen Ramos
MADEBYGIRL.COM

Denise Kiggan said...

It is so hard to understand why. May you feel God close to you through all of this.

Ulla said...

Blessings to you and yours. May the angels embrace her...