A friend of mine now suffering and has been from Alzheimers from 70 years old - now she is nearly 78 - she has 3 daughters - who have been terrified of her re the illness (cant cope) from the day she was diagnosed.
I received a Xmas card first time in years from her and hubby. Met hubby in the local mall recently also 78 and he told me that their children 56, 55, 50 sent her loads a presents on Xmas day that she couldn't open them (too many) . Eldest child has said to me I would die if I found mummy having a drink - rather having Alzheimers
Anyway met husband yesterday in supermall - he is 78 - told me I needed to get her out as in for a walk - what about kids - oh they were so good - so many presents "she" couldn't get through them.
F k me - my Xmas box to my mother would have been - one - give respite to Dad - have both of them throughout Xmas time and New Years Time - no, nothing like that. Am so so so so so SAD - this mother was the most wonderful of wonderful of mothers. Sorry Am speaking from the heart.
Why oh why can't children stand by their parents - it so breaks my heart.
Seems the only way they can cope is to send stuff rather than give their time to their Mum and I agree that is very sad indeed.
Between the three of them , they could surely arrange to pop by, chat, talk or go for a stroll - a lot of this may be borne out of fear and of course you as a friend can say little.
Just be the best friend you can to this lady and her husband.
so sad mamy for the husband - he just looked like a lone stray in that mall with her about 3 stone and a coat swinging around her that I saw 5 years ago on her - he looked so helpless too but proud. Bless him - Gentleman Jim.