Over the last 5 years I have shared many stories with all of you (on Facebook) about my mom. We nicknamed her Pip because my mother in law uses that word to describe people who are a character. So the hashtags have been #lilpip or #mypip
So many of you have told me how much you love her stories, her shenanigans and my humor while going on her journey through Parkinson’s and dementia.
This adventure has been healing, fun, rewarding, frustrating, heartbreaking and life consuming. Bittersweet rolled into one big ball.
We are entering a new stage in our pip’s life. Over the last couple of months her dementia slowly has declined and she started having some involuntary head movements. She is doing PT to try to get strength back into her legs and she is stronger during the first part of the day. She is also more clear headed the first part of the day.
Over the last few weeks her involuntary movements have increased to her head rolling back, side to side, eyes rolling around and she arches her back over and over. She is missing her mouth when she eats, with food getting all over her and everywhere else. Her dignity is gone and for someone who always had to look impeccable before leaving the house, this is hard to watch.
We knew before leaving on our cruise that memory care was in her future. When we got home it became apparent that we were not going to be able to afford to move her into the memory care side of where she currently lives. They tried to help us with a reduction of price but she just couldn’t afford it. We have found a new place for her to move into and it is a brand new facility. It will also save me about 40 minutes of driving time round trip!
Mike and I went yesterday to talk to her about it and she was very agreeable. I’m not sure if she will remember we told her so I’ll have to reinforce it to her every few days. Mike was shocked at the decline that has happened since he hasn’t been there in a couple of weeks. I have chosen not to tell her it is memory care and if I have to deal with that at a later time than I will.
This is the harsh side of Parkinson’s. It’s sad. It’s heart breaking to watch. There is a theory that she may have suffered a minor stroke that got overlooked but no proof of it.
I just want to say I appreciate all of you for letting me know how much you love her and the stories of her antics!
Humor has gotten me through but there may not be as many humorous stories to share. You all know me and I am ALWAYS looking for the humor and silver lining in every situation.
I want to start blogging about this life adventure in the hopes that someday someone will be going through this type of journey and know they are not alone. So my stories here on out may not always be upbeat. But I’ve promised not to lose my humor so I’m sure I’ll be giving you some giggles along the way.
I have said all along mom is like a cat and has 9 lives! Gosh, remember when she had pneumonia and the facility didn’t send the DNR over to the ER and they intubated her in error?? She was in ICU and we really thought she was gone. How many times have I asked for prayers as she was heading to the ER?
She is one tough cookie and this is just another bump in the road of #lilpip’s life.❤️
