Comments on: Here’s What We’ve Been Doing

By: Brendan Armitage

Brendan Armitage — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 15:58:36 +0000

I’m a physical therapist here in Lancaster County, PA. Whenever I take care of a retired farmer, I’m always amazed at how large his hands remain, while the rest of the body seems to shrink away. I was just noticing that with your father-in-law…

When we care for people with dementia, in the early stages they show confusion as to their orientation (where am I? What was I saying?). Later, though older they see you as their equal in age. As the disease progresses, they see you as their parent in some way.
I often think of this lesson as a reflection of Genesis 3:19 (King James Version): “In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.” For though we are old, yet in God’s eyes we remain young like children and to Him we find our eternal home.
As children in their dementia, these parent patients of mine often see babies and it kicks them powerfully albeit briefly back into reality, that they need to be mature, to care for this gift of God in their hands.
Children are a blessing in so many ways, though not much appreciated as such at the 3am hour.

By: Lucinda J

Lucinda J — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 20:20:57 +0000

In reply to Sarah W. Thank you, Sarah.

By: Sarah W

Sarah W — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 20:11:23 +0000

Your Annaliese is such a pretty baby! Love her beautiful eyelashes. Glad to hear she is usually as sweet as she looks. :) And, that is so special about her and your husband’s dad!

By: Sarah Fetterman

Sarah Fetterman — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 17:52:01 +0000

“Being a mom is honestly the hardest thing I’ve ever done, not because it’s more difficult, but because it’s more all-encompassing.”

Yes! So well said! For six years now I’ve said that being a mom is both the hardest and most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. It’s quite a paradox. I know it’s hard (because I struggle with it!) but please try not to compare your internal struggles with others’ placid external appearance. I’m often finding that when I really get to know other moms I find that they struggle too!

Hugs and prayers!
Sarah :)

By: Lucinda J

Lucinda J — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 02:12:28 +0000

In reply to Holly Dickson-Ramos. Lol! This is so funny, Holly! Reminds me of similar feelings I have had in not quite the same but similar situations. Thank you for sharing.

By: Lucinda J

Lucinda J — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 02:10:08 +0000

In reply to Jenni Lyn Kropf. Good to hear, Jenni. :)

By: Lucinda J

Lucinda J — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 02:06:25 +0000

In reply to Ruth Anna Kuhns. Thank you Ruth Anna! Your words are an encouragement to me!

By: Lucinda J

Lucinda J — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 02:03:56 +0000

In reply to Linda Rose. That is so beautiful, Linda Rose. Wow.

By: Linda Rose

Linda Rose — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 00:41:04 +0000

Years ago I heard at an Alzheimer’s convention that babies or animals can wake up a person’s mind, whose mind seems to have gone to sleep. One woman hadn’t spoken for months, but when she was presented with a baby she said, “What a beautiful, beautiful baby!” –Linda Rose

By: Ruth Anna Kuhns

Ruth Anna Kuhns — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 00:12:25 +0000

Wow Luci! This is so good. I am a single lady, working 50 hrs weeks. I am also a tidy housekeeper….so I keep up with cooking, cleaning, putting things in place, etc. I look on at your life :) and wonder how on earth you have time to be a mom, a writer, a college student, a wife, a caregiver, and a housekeeper, to name a few. Feels like I could never manage all that. Go you! :)

But yes! I get the comparison thing. So much. One of my latest fav phrases is when my sis told me, “You do you!” I didn’t need that permission from her, but it sure felt good! I recently told a friend the same thing (she was saying that her wedding won’t necessarily be the traditional). My response? “You do you!”

So I see you doing you….and I think if we could just all relax and give ourselves grace to be mom, teacher, secretary, nurse, housekeeper, etc who is allowed to make mistakes, we would do ourselves and the world a huge favor!! Thanks for encouraging us here!