Time Is of the Essence: Walk Down Memory Lane

By Mikelle A. Bryant-Mataya

It is ironic how you can be involved in the lives of other people. Often you think that what is happening to them is remote from your own existence. When you discover that the same events are occurring in your life as well. As this walks down memory lane was being prepared my life was fairly normal. I was working with the memory loss population and finding it fascinating. The most intriguing part of my experience was that I got along with the individuals I care for so well. However, as my life was changing to be similar in many ways to the experiences of my residents and their families. The pain and the suffering that memory loss or brain injury brings is devastating but we must carry on. We must endure the unexpected twist and turns that come with memory loss, Alzheimer's, Dementia and TBI realities. The key to it all is unconditional love as our shield. May God's wisdom and discernment capture all who endure this unique journey.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Apr 15, 2019
• ISBN: 9781796025989

Mikelle A. Bryant-Mataya

The author has written several books, including The Baby Giraffe, I See Something Blue, So You Want to Be a CNA, and Hands Up. Inspired by unusual things that have occurred in life, Mikelle desires to express her life in words. Enjoy this book and others she was inspired to share.

Book preview

Time

Is of the

Essence

Walk Down Memory Lane

MIKELLE A. BRYANT-MATAYA

Copyright © 2019 by Mikelle A. Bryant-Mataya. 784556

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.

Scripture quotations marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

All the photos in this book belong to Mikelle Bryant-Mataya. I have also been given permission by the families to use these photos and tell a story about Memory Loss residents.

Rev. date: 04/12/2019

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Contents

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

What is Dementia?

Helen

Music, Music, Music!!

Dick and Penny of Catherine’s Quality of Life Homes

Dick Page plays the guitar, Everyone know he is a star.

Poem for Roberta and Chris

Memories of Friends

The Cutest Couple

Gladys

Kay Young

Gladys and Guy

Ernestine

Zappers

Things Lost Over the Years

Easter Parade

Ruth

Guy

Lu

Pastor Ron

Priscilla

Roberta

Murph

Lydia

From A Child’s Point of View

Honorable Mention to all caregivers is greatly understated.

Walk Down Memory Lane

Memories in the Making by the Alzheimer’s Association

The Darker Side for Caregivers

Scriptures on Aging

Through the Thick and Thin

Injuries

More Signs of Dementia:

Short Stories in the Assisted Living Environment

Activities

References

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Anthony Mataya is the cover photo he was caught in this pose unexpectedly several years ago. Little did we know that during the days that we acted as caregivers we would soon face the same concerns as our friends with Alzheimer/Dementia. He too has experienced symptoms of memory loss. I pray God’s blessings over him and all those who may be preparing to accept the future.

Dedication

I dedicate this book to my mother, Georgianna Mance, Bryant. My mother who is a beacon in my life was not ever defeated by the world. She had faith, love and devotion to God in her heart and never entered a church during my lifetime. Her mother went to church and was very well known in the church. Her father never went to church and was a hard working honest man. His father was a traveling preacher and church planter.

She raised us to be givers. She gave away everything and lived a very simple life. She loved to love others. She taught us to share and give to those who were in need. We were poor but we were rich by having our mother to lead and guide us through life.

Most of us grew up to hoard and keep everything we worked hard for in life. We are property owners and love the idea of doing well. We all strive to get something to be proud of in life. We are somewhat different from mom.

She was a caregiver for the hospitals, and nursing homes in Colorado. She was a warm and delightful individual. Everyone loved being in her presence. She was smart but never went to college. When we were children she always had an answer for everything. She helped us with our homework and studies. She knew all kinds of facts about history from biblical issues to current affairs. We called her the know it all! She did know it all and if she did not know she would find out.

When we got hurt as children do at play, she would patch us up. We did not run to the doctor over every thing. As a matter of fact I never did meet a doctor until I was about to have a baby. Mom could set a broken arm and cure hemorrhoids with charcoal. She used ear wax to cure a fever blister and the list of cures goes on. She was a self made hospital and caregiver all in one.

Mom was humble and taught us to never be mean or unkind to anyone. She taught us to put others first then ourselves. Most of her children did the exact opposite we put ourselves first in order to help others. We would give others what is left. Nevertheless we are all fairly humble people.

Mom had a great sense of humor and made life fun. She dance the gitterbug with us and taught us that every snoflake that we caught onto the black paper was unique. She said we are all unique in the way that God made us. On snowy days she would bake cinnamon rolls and invite all the neighborhood kids to have one too. Our favorite treat was cinnamon rolls and bologna. She was a great cook and we were healthy kids.

Once again I give this book as a dedication to my wonderful mom the best care giver that I know.

Inspiration

Inspiration comes from a special person in each of our lives. My daughter has always been a light in my life. When she was a youngster I referred to her as my Sun Shine. She always was easy going and easy to raise. As a single mother it was very important to know that I could depend on her to take good care of herself. I never found myself running to the school to answer for bad behaviors.