The Sparkle in Her Eyes Plus Six More Short Stories by Aileen Friedman - HTML preview

8.

The slow decline of my mother’s memory inflicted in her an aggressive personality and the sometimes vicious outbursts, both opposite to her nature. She had been an outgoing, lively, happy and lovely lady and yes, she was not perfect, but Mom had been respected and loved by everyone who knew her. To live with Mom in that state of mind was not only heart-breaking but very frustrating for all my family members. It was just easier to lose your temper with her at times rather than walk away and convince yourself that it was not just because she was old, but because her mind was a tangled mess and she was frightened and confused.

Having watched my grandmother (her mother) go through the same process, I should have seen the warning signs a lot earlier. My mother should have been more cautious and made an assertive attempt to ensure this dreaded awful disease did not attack her in the same manner. And yet Mom went down the same path, and before she realised it, it was too late. My and the family’s attempts to confront her when I figured out what was happening got met with denial. There was no turning back from that point.

Alzheimer’s is a nasty, dreadful disease and even with all the technology in the world it remains a mystery vastly. Don’t believe you will escape it once it begins and it can attack anyone. The best you can do is have a healthy diet, keep your brain as active as possible and surround yourself with people you love and who love you.

I don’t know why such a disease exists – and it would be the same as asking why we have earthquakes. I only know that while we are here on this earth as human beings, we must trust in the God that created us. With faith, it will not matter what trials, illnesses or tragedies we are faced with because when it is our end, we will live a pain-free Spirit-filled life with Jesus.

Phil 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Psalms 9: 9-10

9 The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed,
    a stronghold in times of trouble.
10 Those who know your name trust in you,
    for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.

God Bless Always