Sunday, January 30, 2011

Raising Nana Pap

Thanksgiving, 2009, my mother, well known as "Nana Pap", moved to my hometown, five miles from my home.  She was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, and Mom, my sibs and I knew that she needed more care than she could receive in an independent living situation.  She gave us a list of what she wanted in her new home:
          * Close to one of her children
          * Two bedrooms, so everyone could visit
          * Catholic Mass available
          * Lots of fun activities
We all hunted, and I was lucky enough to find something that fit the bill.  I am so happy that she is close; I am also a bit terrified-- she deserves the best. Can I give her that?
    I often tell "Nana stories". They are often quite funny-- the Alzheimers mind is pretty weird.  I told Mom that I often share her comments and exploits with friends and family, and the stories make people laugh.  "Oh," she said, "Thank goodness! I have always liked making people laugh!"  We have many conversations about why she has Alzheimers.  We have decided that "God has a Plan".  "I don't have to like it, but I know He has a reason. I will definitely have some questions for Him one day...", she says. I hope to use this site to describe some of her exploits, both funny and thought provoking.

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