The Thief

The dictionary explains the word "thief" as: a person who steals, especially one who steals secretly and without using force; robber: applies to one who steals in a secret or stealthy way.

There could have been so many scenarios regarding this topic today. I could be telling you about an actual theft at our home, one with a devasting outcome, or, preferably one with a humourous twist (maybe a trickster squirrel or mouse).

But the thief I'm going to talk about today does have devasting effects on literally millions of lives each year. That thief's name is Alzheimer's Disease.

When I googled the term, 7,820,000 results appeared. As overwhelming as that was, the personal struggles of this cruel and heartbreaking epidemic (if you will) are sometimes too, too much, for family and friends of loved ones afflicted, to bear.

I know firsthand, from having cared for my mother-in-law for a few years before we got in-home care workers to relieve us. My husband and I watched (along with his other siblings and his Mom's close friends) as his Mom began, ever so slowly, to show signs of simple forgetfullness. She forgot where she left something in the house and spent a lot of time searching for things. And so began the agonizing journey of seeing someone who loved to cook, knit, sew, garden and so much more, slowly become someone who could do none of these things. She used to love to have her family in and serve them one of her Dutch treats on Sunday afternoons. Her garden delighted not only her but her visitors, as they admired her handiwork with a turn of her green thumb.

Her home-made Dutch soups were scrumptious and her desserts even more so. She always used her best china when she entertained and loved to do so every chance she could. I still remember the first time I joined in with the family on Christmas Eve for their tradional "feast" and exchange of gifts. I marveled at the spread that she single-handedly put out for everyone.

She's made many hand-knitted items for gifts at Christmas and birthdays and her hands never stopped being busy. How can such an active and loving soul become as helpless and dependant as a new-born babe?

In spite of this theivery that's been going on now for several years, her loving and gentle spirit is still there in her eyes, when she sees and recognizes you. She loved to laugh and used to tell me, "Laughter is good for the soul". We had good times together, her and I. During her morning bathing and dressing routine, we would sing old hymns when she'd get upset about something. That would always make her smile, and she could remember all the words to the familiar songs.

And though we have our rough days, as we continue to watch her decline, we are reminded every time we visit her (and that's every day) what a strong and courageous woman she was and still is. As we showed her a slide show on the laptop last night of "Poppy" her eyes sparkled like the snow in the early morning sunshine. She kept saying, "What a Poppy, such a darling". She has not forgotten everything or everyone. That spark is still there and we pray it will be for as long as she's here with us.

It's a good day today for my MIL--the sunshine seems to have a calming effect on her moods and we're so very thankful for that. I think I will go and visit her now and quite likely she will say, "Would you like a cup of tea?" Kindness has been one of her dearest traits that the "thief" has not stolen and I hope "he" never does.

Bless you and "yours" today and I hope you enjoy this spring day wherever you are.
Barb
I've included a pic of my MIL and her faithful "companion" (Molly)