It's been one year since Mom died, one year without her.
There were still many things that I had to do for her this past year, even though she wasn't here. I still have to do her taxes.
She never got to cuddle her great-granddaughter.
She never knew about our farm or chased our chickens.
She never knew that I became a quilter or saw any of my quilts.
She doesn't get to watch her granddaughter play collegiate softball.
She never saw a smartphone or a tablet.
She doesn't know I drive a truck.
She never got to know the amazing men who are her grandsons.
She didn't get to bake the traditional Christmas cookies this year, but I did, and wept.
Our lives goes on.
We live without her.
Friday, February 27, 2015
Sunday, February 8, 2015
Sister Monica Joan
Somehow I have been captured by the TV series "Call the Midwife". The joys and heartache of childbirth and the society of nurses and Sisters that run Nonnatus House. Nonnatus House provides health services to the people of East London in the early half of the 20th century, most specifically mother and child services.
The character of Sister Monica Joan is that of an amazing woman. She was the first nurse midwife in her area. A driven educated leader of her time.
But when we meet her in this TV series, she is in the last chapters of her life. Something has scrambled the file cabinet of her knowledge. Sometimes she escapes reality for historical, fictional, or mythological experiences.
The character of Sister Monica Joan shows us the experience of dementia in a powerful, intelligent, and caring person. I am in awe of this woman, the TV character and the actress who portrays her.
Her character helps to create awareness for dementia illnesses. Her character show us that dementia is NOT an "all or nothing" illness. It creeps in slowly and steals abilities bit by bit.
The actress, Judy Parfitt, who plays the character Sister Monica Joan, has had first hand experience with dementia. Her husband lived with dementia. You can read her story here: link
The character of Sister Monica Joan is that of an amazing woman. She was the first nurse midwife in her area. A driven educated leader of her time.
But when we meet her in this TV series, she is in the last chapters of her life. Something has scrambled the file cabinet of her knowledge. Sometimes she escapes reality for historical, fictional, or mythological experiences.
The character of Sister Monica Joan shows us the experience of dementia in a powerful, intelligent, and caring person. I am in awe of this woman, the TV character and the actress who portrays her.
Her character helps to create awareness for dementia illnesses. Her character show us that dementia is NOT an "all or nothing" illness. It creeps in slowly and steals abilities bit by bit.
The actress, Judy Parfitt, who plays the character Sister Monica Joan, has had first hand experience with dementia. Her husband lived with dementia. You can read her story here: link
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
book review
Well I've done it again, I'm reading a book for pleasure and dementia finds me. The book is "The Thirteenth Tale" by Diane Setterfield.
It is not one of the main characters, it is the minor character of The Missus, the housekeeper of Angelfield estate.
It is interesting to read how the slow devastation of dementia in The Missus is paralleled in the slow deterioration of building of Angelfield itself. It is also interesting how, even though The Missus is the primary person responsible for this great estate and the well-being of five or more people, no one in the household cares (?) that their world has become wonky. Their house, meals, and clothing have become irregular and squalid. Not only can The Missus not care for herself, she can no longer run the estate.
Only her long close friendship with Mr Dig keeps her safe at home.
Ms. Setterfield has written a gripping story, and a very good glimpse into the creeping devastation of dementia.
It is not one of the main characters, it is the minor character of The Missus, the housekeeper of Angelfield estate.
It is interesting to read how the slow devastation of dementia in The Missus is paralleled in the slow deterioration of building of Angelfield itself. It is also interesting how, even though The Missus is the primary person responsible for this great estate and the well-being of five or more people, no one in the household cares (?) that their world has become wonky. Their house, meals, and clothing have become irregular and squalid. Not only can The Missus not care for herself, she can no longer run the estate.
Only her long close friendship with Mr Dig keeps her safe at home.
Ms. Setterfield has written a gripping story, and a very good glimpse into the creeping devastation of dementia.
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