Flo,
Have you been to the Leeza's Place website? Leeza Gibbons is an Alzheimer's advocate and her mother is in the late stages. The website is full of helpful tools and information. She was on Larry King Live last evening and it was an inspiring interview.

Flo,

Take time to hug yourself today.

I want to take the time to hug you Flo...

((((HUG))))

Hello. Sorry I haven't been around. Life has been a whirlwind lately. I feel like that little hamster in the cage, running in that wheel, sometimes... only somebody else is turning the wheel.

Things are better. Dad's feeling pretty good right now. I changed his doctors to more proactive, modern, up-to-date people, and it's made a hugh difference. And he's more cooprateive now, about things like taking his meds and eating his veggies, which helps.

Something I remember about my Dad... *thinks* When I was a kid in the 60's, he taught me how to fish and he taught me how to make simple repairs to plumbing (leaky faucets and such), and allowed me to use his tools, something men didn't typically do with their daughters in those days. And he took me on a long drive across the country once. Just me and him. That's when I learned to tie my shoelaces and almost learned to swim.

Thank you all for your kind thoughts and hugs. They're much appreciated.

Flo

When your dad's disease is driving you nuts, and you don't think you can handle one more thing, what do you do?

Vi, I just looked into your website and liked what I saw!

As all the ladies always say, it's nice to see the face that goes with the name Vi.

Vi, I have a good cry and then get back to "work."

I put "work" in quotes because it is a labor of love.

One nice thing about getting older, I guess, is that I've lived long enough to appreciate the good moments and know that the bad ones will pass. "This too shall pass," as Grandma used to say.

Update, for anyone who's interested: Dad is doing quite a bit better. Eating better, getting more rest, and getting out a little more. Just got new glasses for him, and that's helped too. And he loved the little Christmas tree I put up, and the Christmas carols I've been (trying to) play on the piano. *whispers* I'm really not very good, you know.

Anything I can do that makes him smile warms my heart and makes me feel better. I take it one day at a time, remembering the Lord's promises, and trying to keep a positive outlook. I don't always manage it, but I try.

Thanks to you all for your encouragement.

Flo, it's wonderful to hear both you and your father are doing so well right now. It's truly the little things in life that matter the most. Nobody can maintain a positive outlook every minute of every day. Trying is what matters

Flo, I can see the Lord working in your life.
Glad to hear your dad is doing better...that would mean your doing better also.
What love...

Flo, may the magic of Christmas continue to lighten your hearts.

You may be interested in posting with our January Featured Author. She wrote the book, Taking Care of Mom: What I Learned That May Help You Take Care of Your Aging Parent.