The Answers to the Question

LicketyGlitz

Last month Michael Ellenbogen asked if anything good had come from Alzheimer's and so many of you were kind enough to allow me to create a post with your words to share with others who may not belong to this forum.

I finally got the post out.

The Answers to the Question

https://www.stumpedtowndementia.com/post/the-answers-to-the-question

mommyandme (m&m)

Thanks to all of you who share your ups and downs so we know and feel we’re not alone!

Arrowhead

I just accessed your blog. I am in the process of setting one up for my wife. I'm happy for those who see good things that have resulted from what they are going through. I have been my wife's sole caregiver for 4 1/2 years. For me, I don't see much good having come of it. We were both forced to retire early, which means less Social Security. At least we have money coming in, in spite of the quarantine. Actually, there has been one benefit. I'm getting to be a better cook.

LicketyGlitz

Arrow, every answer to the question is a valid answer. It's a tough, tough road with many not experiencing positivity for them or their dementia loved one. That is just as an important of answer to share as others like me who are sick of dementia, but are seeing some silver linings in our journey.

So, you're getting to be a better cook, eh? What's for dinner tonight? Mom and I will be right over.

I second mommyandme! Thanks you guys for letting me share your words with the wider caregiving world.

Cobalt

Great blog topic and article!  Made me think for a while, and it was a fine few moments to realize I was actually lucky enough to have 5 minutes sitting down by myself.  And then I could block out all the "stuff" and dream a bit.  Finally got my own answer to the question I didn't know I had.

Turns out a favorite book from about 50 years ago came to mind by chance.  Ram Dass - Be Here, Now.  Boy howdy, I realized that that is what my life is like these days.  There's not much alternative anyway, what with the pandemic threat and social isolation and the daily challenges.  Just to get through a whole day, sometimes an hour - never would have thought that would be my goal.  Other than the fact that I can't be elsewhere, I am actually dealing fairly well, now that I think about it, only because I am living through the moments of Now rather focused and so very aware of the tiniest of things.  Thinking about the tiniest of victories as they happen, I guess my answer is that I truly am Here and Now and it is the way my path leads.

LicketyGlitz

That's a beautiful answer, Cobalt. I think I get to the here and now place too sometimes, but not as often as I'd like.

What I loved about Michael's original forum post asking the question was that it made me stop for a few minutes too, and think how I would answer that. I think that a gift for a lot of us. I certainly found the responses a gift to me that I didn't know I needed! Which is why I wanted to share them outside of Alzconnected.

Thank you for reading.

ButterflyWings

Urgent and heartfelt request: Would you please remove an offensive image in a prior post? Lickety, For the first time, I have become hesitant to read your posts after seeing you wearing a ku klux klan-inspired outfit in one of your recent posts. It was shocking and sad to me, as I had previously enjoyed learning from your posts and the humor and candor with which you share your mom's dementia journey and yours as a caregiver. I decided not to flag it though it was deeply offensive, and chose not to reply to it either so as not to call even more attention to what is really hateful imagery. Imagery that does not belong on this site, as it makes it feel less safe, whether you continue using things like this in your own home, and website or not.

Then, January 6th, reminded me just how dangerous and also how widespread some of these kkk sympathies are. So, rather than just skip your posts I thought I would speak up. As an influencer, you have a platform that can help so many or do lots of harm. I ask you to choose not to cause harm in this space, at least. Please consider removing that type of imaging or message going forward. It is very clear, and has no place here.

LicketyGlitz

Hey butterfly? I've never worn a kkk inspired outfit in my life! I don't think this could hace been me. Please let me know where you saw this. I too would be utterly offended!