A Message from Mama: For the Caregivers of Alzheimer’S Victims

By Sheryl Simmons

Within the throngs of Alzheimers diseaseUps and downs, brief
moments of clarity. One is almost hopeful that the old you has returned
for good, then, just as quicklya reality check. Its only a brief moment
of clarity. I miss you mama, even though you are here with me. Ive
had moments of griefforever grieving little losses every day. I try
desperately to hold on to as much of you as I can, trying not to be
selfish. I try desperately not to let it be patient and nurse. But letting it be
mother and daughter. Wondering if this is dj vu. I can sometimes see
Jessica helping escort me to the chair; covering me with the lap blanket
and sweater and bringing me my afternoon mealits as if all that time
has passed and I cant remember anything in between. Then flash back
to reality when you are clinging to me for dear life, your nails in my arms
and begging Jesus to save you, as we go from the bed to the wheel chair.
Once safe in the wheel chair everything is ok and back we go to normal
again.
Weve all been through some sort of loss but this loss is especially
cruel, to live while dying.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Sep 18, 2013
• ISBN: 9781493178032

Sheryl Simmons

Sheryl Simmons is a Registered Nurse, Author and Writer and an Advocate for Alzheimer's Dementia, born in Greenwood Mississippi. She moved to Chicago Illinois at an early age with her family- and lived there until she became a young adult. Mrs. Simmons lived in New York City for several years before settling in St, Louis Mo. She currently lives here with her family. Caregiving has always been a passion for her as well as writing. Current writers blog on Word Press. follow on Face Book,and Twitter

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Copyright © 2013 by Sheryl Simmons.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Rev. date: 08/20/2013

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris LLC

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

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CONTENTS

Acknowledgements

Preface

Denial

Frustration

Bargaining

Reflections

Acceptance

Appendix 1

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

For my sisters Joyce and Nathalyn, we will always be her little girls. For My father Nathaniel Smith Jr. who told me I could do anything I put my mind to. Thank you Daddy. For My husband Joseph Simmons, a man who finds a wife finds a good thing, thanks for always having my back. For my daughters Jessica, Gabrielle and Jennifer don’t risk your self-worth for something tangible. For my Nieces and Nephews, Ria, Crystal, Peter and Nathan—she was so very proud of you and loved you all more than you’ll ever know. For My granddaughter Rebecca Marie Starr Sutherland—you were blessed to have met her and her, you.

For Lawrence Caileb Rapier II and Ria Grace Rapier how fortunate you are to have such a wonderful Great grandmother her love transcends space and time For my cousin Gladys our family’s glue who loves us dearly and holds everyone together God bless you we don’t know what would do without you we love you more than we can express. For all the family and friends who stood by my side and donated amazing anecdotes encouragement and a shoulder to cry on Thank You I love you dearly! And to all the families experiencing the horrible amazing life changing fight with Alzheimer’s Disease we continue to walk, fight and pray for a cure to this devastating disease God loves you and so do I.

PREFACE

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Hydrogynieas

Within the throngs of Alzheimer’s disease—Ups and downs, brief moments of clarity. One is almost hopeful that the old you has returned for good, then, just as quickly—a reality check. It’s only a brief moment of clarity. I miss you mama, even though you are here with me. I’ve had moments of grief—forever grieving little losses every day. I try desperately to hold on to as much of you as I can, trying not to be selfish. I try desperately not to let it be patient and nurse. But letting it be mother and daughter. ‘Wondering if this is déjà vu’. I can sometimes see Jessica helping escort me to the chair; covering me with the lap blanket and sweater and bringing me my afternoon meal—it’s as if all that time has passed and I can’t remember anything in between. Then flash back to reality when you are clinging to me for dear life, your nails in my arms and begging Jesus to save you, as we go from the bed to the wheel chair. Once safe in the wheel chair everything is ok and back we go to normal again.

We’ve all been through some sort of loss but this loss is especially cruel, to live while dying.

I pray this book will bring you the solace it’s brought to my family and I. We still have some good days with mama. This