Mom "Who Turned out the Lights": Azheimers

By Dennis L Geist

I tell this story about my mother who experienced dementia for many years. It could be a story about many others who have had this experience with a loved one. Through my experience with my mother, I have learned, or at least formed an opinion, that the focus should be on the person and not the disease. My objective is hopefully to help others who have loved ones with dementia.
The story:
When I looked into her eyes, I could still see that little sparkle she always had when she saw me. Only now, it was shadowed by what looked like a glossy, pale white film. It was a stare as if to ask what was happening. It looked like she was trapped inside now, in a deteriorating body, and was trying to escape. I could feel the love for me, maybe because that was what I wanted. I would hug her, being careful as she had become very frail. It wasn't easy to hold back tears, but I had to. I did not want to frighten her any more than it already appeared that she was. I could see her and feel her warm response, sensing her unconditional love for me and her family. I remember how she always shared her life, love, and respect for others. She would be the first to step forward to help others, even when she had little. She was a generous and kind person; but would fight like hell to protect her family.
Mom had dementia or Alzheimer's which from my point of view was as debilitating or worse than some other diseases. She was still there, inside somewhere; only now she was unable to express herself and could no longer share the stories and experiences of her life of hard work. No longer could she pass on her wisdom to others. She could no longer take care of herself, although I think by instinct she tried. She was fading away like someone slowly using a dimmer switch to adjust the lighting in a room.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0CMP1GHW6
• ISBN13: 9798866558605
• Release Date: November 2023
• Publisher: Independently published
• Length: 102 Pages
• Weight: 0.37 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.0" x 0.2" x 5.0"