What about the Children of Families with Dementia?

When I started writing my blogs and articles a few months ago, I did it because I couldn’t ignore my inner voice. A voice telling me to share what I am learning as I journey along this road with my husband and his dementia. I am surprised at the impact writing has had on my life. Besides releasing deeply buried emotions, it is giving me clarity about the road ahead. It is giving me a purpose to this time in my life. But one of my greatest joys and surprises has been connecting with the children... 

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Dementia is a Journey of ‘Letting Go’

I was watching a DVD this morning and Hale Dwoskin, who teaches the Sedona Method on releasing unwanted emotions, said something which really resonated with me. He believes that children are here on earth not to learn, but to teach. If you stop for a minute and think about how children live their lives…they can throw a temper tantrum in the middle of the grocery store and belly laugh the next. They can be upset and throw toys at their playmates, but within minutes are back playing without... 

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Some of the reasons why Dave is doing well…

It is almost 3 years since the doctor told us that Dave, my husband, has Frontotemporal Dementia. Almost every day I meet someone who asks how Dave is doing. Besides the fact he is 6’4″ and you can’t miss him in a grocery story, he is well known in our city. He was a high school teacher for 25 years, talented duck carver and master volunteer with ski patroling, search & rescue, rugby refereeing and coaching. Until a few days ago, I paused before I answered their question.... 

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Happy Anniversary Mum & Dad

In my last post I shared the beautiful card I received from my husband, Dave, for our 31st Anniversary. I was away on business this week and when I came home there was another card waiting for me. It was from our children, Kyle and Amy. They are spending their summer working together at a fishing lodge on Langara Island, in the Queen Charlotte Islands–very close to the Alaskan border.  I want to share this card to give you an idea of the journey that our children are on while living with... 

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To My Beautiful Wife

Thirty one years ago, August 25th, I was walking down the aisle on the arm of my Dad, to marry the kindest man I have ever met—my husband, Dave. Our anniversary, which was a few days ago, turned out to be one I will never forget. I want to share a card Dave picked out, and signed with x’s and o’s. On the front cover was…To My Beautiful Wife and on the inside it said… Somewhere between all the places we need to be And all the things we need to do Are those special times that belong... 

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Setting yourself free

Have you ever been so mad that your head feels like it is exploding? Or, so terrified, that you can’t breathe and you feel like you are going to pass out? Being human will bring on all sorts of moods and emotions. Fortunately, most of us manage to work through these difficult periods, but at what cost? A serious illness, accident or just plain bad luck? The movie, The Secret, tells us about the Law of Attraction–whatever you focus your attention on, you will get more of... 

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What happens when you hold back your tears?

I have been told my whole life that I am strong. Even if it means holding back the tears while watching my Mom slowly pass away from cancer at age 60, or watching my young children, 3 and 5 years old, cry because they are losing the best Nana they have ever known. The type of Nana who plays on the floor and builds lego with them, or kicks a soccer ball around in the backyard. Or how about when I had to keep my emotions and fears in check, so that I didn’t lose it in Emergency when my 11 month... 

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Surrendering to Dementia

Usually when I sit down to write a post or an article, my head gets in the way. I begin editing and thinking too hard and the words don’t flow easily. I am slowly understanding why it happens–the first step to curing it. It is about  ‘surrendering’ or letting go of the process of writing. I need to stop worrying about what readers will think, and just write. In fact, surrendering is a word which has taken on a whole different meaning since my husband, Dave, was diagnosed... 

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How does my husband feel about having dementia?

In my earlier posts, I told you about my husband, Dave, 59, who has Frontotemporal dementia (FTD). I am trying to understand what it is must be like for Dave, waking up in the morning knowing he has dementia–with no known cure or drugs slowing it down.  Does he feel angry, sad or confused? Does he have the insight to realize he is changing? Is he afraid of his future? Since FTD affects the language area, our conversations are becoming shorter and simpler. I am making notes while Dave... 

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Weaving Nature into Our Life with Dementia

Since my husband, Dave, was diagnosed with Frontotemporal dementia a couple of years ago, it seems that every day my life is filling with lessons and stories. I honestly believe that when we are facing painful, dark experiences, there are good reasons for them, often taking some time to surface. This morning, I was having writer’s block, wondering which story to share with you today, so I laced up my running shoes, and went for a run to clear my mind. It isn’t long before I am feeling my body... 

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