Turning Sorrow into Joy

Around the same time that my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, my toddler grandson moved in with us for awhile.    

I rejoiced as Tyler learned to speak and increased his vocabulary.  But I was saddened when my mother struggled to remember words and names. 

As Tyler advanced from baby mobiles to building blocks, my mother could no longer figure out how to dial a telephone. 

Tyler loved to pretend that he was driving our car.  Mom was turning over the keys to us, knowing she would never drive again. 

My husband and I would shop for educational but fun items that would challenge Tyler and stimulate his brain as he grew.  At the same time we would shop for Mom, trying to find items that would simplify her life, such as remotes and telephones with the fewest number of buttons possible. 

Having Tyler with us at this difficult time was a Godsend.  It helped me come to terms with the fact that although I was facing a progressive death of my mother, I was also experiencing a progressive life of a grandchild.  In the dark times, hearing the laughter of Tyler reminded me that with sorrow, there is joy.    

It is so easy to fall into depression when caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s.  Try to find somebody or something that brings you joy to offset the dark times.