This blog is about life with my husband who was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer's and Frontal Lobe Dementia in 2008. He was 64 at the time although now, knowing more about the disease, Alzheimer's was present many, many years ago, which is why early detection is so important. As you read the blog the character "Al" that I created in 2008, represents the way that Alzheimer's is invading our daily lives.
There is an archive tab further down the page that starts from the beginning of our journey.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Living with Bob and Al



We learned a lot last night
As I lay in bed trying to figure out
what the shadows were dancing on my ceiling
I realized that something was wrong

Bob was sleeping,
I reached up and pulled back my bedroom curtain
to see a tower of flames shooting up from the
top of our neighbors garage

Staring out the window for what seemed to be forever
My mind finally kicked into gear
"Bob" I yelled "there is a fire next door!"
Al said "what?"
I yelled "a fire" as I picked up the phone and dialed 911

The neighbors tree started to burn
The fire jumped from their tree to our trees

I scramble to get Bob and Al to the front of the house
Bob goes back to get his glasses, Al can't find them

I hand Bob my purse and tell him to stay at the front door
As I try to get the dogs and the cats out the door, and find Bobs glasses

Al keeps saying "here I will put your purse down, you won't need it"
"No Bob take it with you there are important things in there!"
The neighbor from the other side of the street comes to help us get out

Al keeps following me around as I am gathering my coat
I want "them" to just move out of my way, my adrenaline is pumping
"They" look confused and lost..
Al says again "I will leave your purse on the table you won't need it..."

The fire department came and all was saved
I moved towards Bob for comfort...but Al.. moved out of my way....

And we learned that Bob and Al will not be able help me in an emergency  :(

Proverbs 1:33
but whoever listens to me will dwell secure
and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.”

4 comments:

  1. You've captured this so well, Sheri! What a scary nite!

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  2. How scary your night was and how sad your story is. I think of you often and when I do I say a prayer for you and your family.

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  3. I found your blog through a mutual friend...Dave Penman. I started reading your blog 3-4 months ago, then I decided to just start at the very beginning. My mom has Alzheimer's, and although I am not the primary caregiver (my 90-year-old dad is), I can see so many of the things you write about taking place in their lives. My prayers go out to you and every other caregiver for God's grace, for peace, and mostly patience. Please keep writing. I check your blog every single day!

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  4. Thank you for reading Janice. Prayers to and your family as well.

    Sheri

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