About 8 years ago, my grandma was diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
And 8 years later she is still around, which is unusual for the disease. We prepared for the worst, mood changes and complete lack of knowing who we all were. We only got half of that though. She doesn't know who we are, but she does know that we love her and care for her, but the giant mood change that we were waiting for never really came. She did have a stint of being mean to some aides, but that is gone now.
She still has her goofy, fun personality. She still loves to go places and even still jokes with us. With this, she has taught me things, about love and strength that I never even knew. And she still teaches me certain things every day that I'm around her.
1. Always Laugh
There are times when she gets these giggles and she can not stop laughing. She can barely figure out who she is, but she always laughs at things. So even through the hard times, just laugh.
2. Tell those you love that you love them, even if its not everyday
She won't say it everyday, but every time I am there with her, she will tell me she loves me at least once. Even with not knowing who I am, she still makes sure to tell me that she loves me.
3. Have fun
She still manages to have fun with whatever we are doing. We can just be sitting and coloring and she will be having the time of her life.
4. Never give up
Even when she barely knows what is going on, she still tries to be apart of it all. She will try to help clean and she even tries to get herself ready in the morning, which sometimes results as shirts as pants. But hey she isn't giving up and she is still trying.
5. Always be strong
Throughout these last 8 years, my grandma has never lost her strength. That is why she is still with us, she is so strong and just keeps trying, even with the Alzheimer's. Always keep your strength.
