I visited my sweet Nana yesterday. She is a mere 90 years old and fighting a losing battle with alzheimer's. My mother was able to care for her at her home for over 3 years. Unfortunately, the disease progressed to the point that my family and I really feared the toll of caring for her was going to seriously shorten Mom's life and/or cause health problems. Thankfully, I found a wonderful facility only 1 1/2 miles from my home that really cares for their residents. Her nurses and aides really go the extra mile with small things like painting her fingernails, doing her hair, buying her small gifts. I am so grateful for them. It makes leaving her a bit more tolerable.
While she no longer appears to recognize me, or any of her other relatives, she does brighten considerably when I visit. Touch seems to be one of the last avenues of communication. Her whole demeanor changes with a simple caress. A smile lights up her face with each hug and kiss. Even though she can't talk to me, the sparkle in her eyes and her sweet giggle tug my heartstrings everytime. While it is soooooo very difficult to see her simply sitting and staring, sometimes babbling; it is even more difficult not to visit, to touch her, to smile and sing to her. She may seem to not remember who I am, but I do still remember who she is. She may not have been the perfect person, but she is the perfect Nana. Thank you, Lord for allowing me to have her in my life. I love you, Nana!