I learned from my mom, that my grandma has been diagnosed with the early stages of Alzheimer's. For my grandparents, Everett and Lola Thompson, both in their eighties, who subsist on social security and my grandpa's part-time salary (nearly all of which last goes towards some $700 a month of prescription medication), this is economically and physically catastrophic. They are making arrangements to sell their home and most of their possessions, and arranging for professional care. My grandpa served a handful of decades as a minister in the restoration movement churches (having been raised as a Quaker), and has no retirement, no penion, etc. Grandma has been in ill health for some time, and caring for her has taken quite a toll on my grandpa's health.
As a family, this is only beginning to sink in for the rest of us. The filial tensions and miscommunication surrounding caring for my grandparents have entered the mix, while everyone is trying to deal with the reality also.
May God have mercy on grandpa and grandma, and us all.
Posted by Clifton at January 23, 2004 10:44 AM | TrackBackYou got it. My wife's grandmother had it, so I sympathize with what you're going through (and going to be going through) on all levels.
Posted by: Chrysostomos at January 23, 2004 03:38 PMWill do Clifton.
Peace, sir. I too have watched grandparents suffer with this. You are all in my prayers.
Posted by: Tripp at January 23, 2004 05:22 PMGoing through the same thing right now. My Grandfather told me a touching story of how his grandson was going to be a priest and that I should really meet him some day...you don't know whether to laugh or cry. I keep the Healy clan in prayer.
Posted by: Jeff Reich at January 23, 2004 07:18 PM