My Father's Roses

I think a lot about my parents lately. They are both in their 80's and facing the issues that come with age. My mom is now coping with losing her memories with Alzheimer's disease.  She is almost in to the last stage.I never realized how much the disease would touch my family and everyone that is a part of our extended family. I left home at 15 years sold and have never lived in my hometown for more than 2 weeks since. Going back recently was one of the more difficult things I have ever done. I knew what was going on and wanted to be there but I was not really prepared.
My dad was going through a serious heart operation and at the same time, my mom was being placed in an Assisted Living facility. It was a time of enormous change for them.
My dad built our house when I was just 10. They chose a place in the country with a white clapboard school. It was  not a one room school house but it  was one building, one hall and 4 rooms on each side. It was white and my Little House on the Prairie schoolhouse. I think it was a dream come true after our previous home was ruined by  the Christmas flood of 1955.
In the years they lived there, my dad turned the property into an amazing garden with fruits and veggies galore. On my trips home, I would just walk around in awe at how well things grew in California and the beauty of my Dad's flowers and green thumb.
This last time, it was overgrown and somewhat neglected. My dad didn't have the strength to care for neither my mom nor his gardens. He had the operation this summer and did fine with the operation and recovery but my Mom's move to the Rest home did not go as smoothly.
We had no option at it took 2 of us to stay with her round the clock at home. Alzheimer's was taking a such a toll on her but she was more physically active than ever. Her mind would send her on so many scenarios in such a short time and she would act them out and you never really were prepared for what time in her early life she was visiting. Most of the time she did not know who we were. I learned about Sundowners and while staying with her,was up  most of the night.
Once my dad was back home and my mom was in her new situation, at least we felt it was a safer environment for her and my dad. was free to rest after his operation. Without my mom, the house seemed so empty but it  was restful and quiet.
Through all of this journey of my parents later years, I had the chance to finally get to know my 3 brothers and my sister. Oddly enough, after almost 50 years away, I felt like I was discovering who I really was also. Normally as one in control, I found I was in surprising new territory and was so unsettled.
I discovered my family! As difficult as it all was, I have to admit that it was a time I treasured and will continue to  do so. The journey is not over and my mom has her ups and downs and continues to surprise everyone and her mind slips around her life. The hours I spent with her, I just loved being there with her. I have enjoyed my parents more than ever and know times will change. Hearing my siblings stories of what they have done and where they have been over the years, keeps my listening ear happy and begging for more. They are such wonderful people all.
If I could only be in multiple places at once. It is hard to be thousands of miles away from places and people you'd love to be with.

To everyone that has a loved one that is experiencing Alzheimer's disease, my prayers are with you all. I admire each and everyone one and thank God for all our moments we share with the ones we love.
Laurie Claire Wells- Dec. 2012