My Wife Writes About Her Mom @daytonmomsblog

My wife has had several of her posts published on Dayton Moms Blog. While I think all of her posts are good, I really appreciate this one because I know this subject is especially close to her heart; she writes about her mom.

My mother-in-law has been struggling with the effects of Alzheimer’s for the past several years. Much of what I have learned about her is not from experience, but from stories about her from my wife. This post reflects that.

I have seen the influence of my mother-in-law on my wife, especially in how she interacts with her children. Here’s a portion of what she wrote:

My mom taught me to go above and beyond. My mom is a smart woman and as valedictorian of her High School class she expected us to be just as academic as her and do well in school. My brothers followed in her footsteps, but I struggled in school. She pushed me and pushed me to do my best and then she would say, “Do extra”. I’ve instilled that in my own children and have encouraged them to do extra and go above and beyond what is expected of them.

I’ve seen my wife put that into practice in her life and encourage that in her sons.

Take a few moments to read 5 Things My Mom Taught Me. It’s worth the time. We all have things we can learn.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s 2014

The second weekend in October is the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Dayton. I participated in my first walk last year and walk in honor of my mother-in-law Phyllis. She was diagnosed a couple of years ago and has been living in a care facility. While I don’t carry the weight of caring for her on a regular basis, I’ve seen up close what a struggle that is for her family. She is not the same wife and mother due to this disease and it is a sad process to watch.

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is designed to raise funds to further research to find a cure. Currently, more than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s and that number is expected to grow to as many as 16 million by 2050. Last year we walked with hundreds of people in sea of purple to bring awareness to this disease. I would love to have your support as I prepare to walk. You can make a donation of any size on my Walk to End Alzheimer’s page.

Thanks in advance for any gift you can give.

Still Time to Give Toward Alzheimer’s Walk

Last week I posted about the upcoming Alzheimer’s Walk that is happening in Dayton. My wife and I have had several friends respond (THANK YOU!) but there is still time for you to get involved. Here’s what I posted last week along with a link to give toward the walk. Thanks for reading!

On Saturday, September 28, I will be joining my wife in the 2013 Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Dayton, OH. My mother-in-law, Phyllis, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and has been living in a care facility for over a year now. The disease is so tragic as it slowly steals away the life and memories of your loved one right in front of your eyes. As with all patients, Phyllis has her good days and bad. Cheryl, her father and family do a great job caring for her.

We are walking to raise money for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. You can donate any amount on-line and it can even be done anonymously, but we’d love to know who is supporting us.

Click on this link – Walk To End Alzheimer’s – to be directed to a page where you can donate toward our walk. Thanks to all those who choose to give!

Support Walk to End Alzheimers

On Saturday, September 28, I will be joining my wife in the 2013 Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Dayton, OH. My mother-in-law, Phyllis, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and has been living in a care facility for over a year now. The disease is so tragic as it slowly steals away the life and memories of your loved one right in front of your eyes. As with all patients, Phyllis has her good days and bad. Cheryl, her father and family do a great job caring for her.

We are walking to raise money for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. You can donate any amount on-line and it can even be done anonymously, but we’d love to know who is supporting us.

Click on this link – Walk To End Alzheimer’s – to be directed to a page where you can donate toward our walk. Thanks to all those who choose to give!

What’s On My Mind

Normally when I put a post on the blog, it deals with a singular subject.  Maybe a review of a book, an interesting video, something to do with #Hoosiernation or the like.  Today is a hodge-podge or random assortment of a couple of thoughts.  Basically, what’s been on my mind.

A huge part of what’s been consuming thoughts and conversations is my mother-in-law.  Last week my wife, along with her brother and father, had to make the difficult decision to put Cheryl’s mom in a care facility.  She has been struggling with the effects of Alzheimer’s/dementia.  It was a challenge for them to know the best way to care for her and address her issues of confusion about where she was and who she thought was with her.  A spot opened up in a very nice facility, but that lead to a whole host of emotions after they moved her in.  I don’t think any of us were ready for the flurry of loss and sadness that accompanied the decision and subsequent move.  There is a period of no contact for the family members as Cheryl’s mom adjusts to her new living space.  Needless to say it has been tough on them, but many friends have offered their love, care and support.  It has been one of those situations where I wish I had great wisdom and words of comfort to share and yet find myself lacking.

Over the weekend, my aunt (my mother’s sister-in-law) passed away unexpectedly.  We didn’t get together often with mom’s side of the family and, to be honest, I can’t be sure how many years it has been since I’ve seen them.  But, as my mom said on the phone, “It’s family,” so with her passing comes sadness.  On-line obituaries and guest books give an insight into the lives of people.  I feel for my family members who lost a wife, mother, grandma and friend.

In the midst of all that, I have been reminded that some day – maybe not today or tomorrow, but some day – we will be totally healed and restored.  Jesus will make all things new.  Sickness will be gone.  Death will be finally defeated.  Confusion will be banished.  Sadness will be no more.  I need that to be continually on my mind in the midst of life’s bumps and bruises.  It’s easy to become focused on the current struggle.  As we continue to press on, I need to know and cling to the truth that He will make all things new.