Popular Post creekland Posted December 27, 2015 Popular Post Share Posted December 27, 2015 My younger two are here with me at MIL's house. MIL has Alzheimers and can't remember much, can't do much, and more that would turn most younger folks (or older folks) off (repeating questions, making up stories, poor hygiene, really bad comments about people/life, etc). She's been having quite the meltdown most of the morning and we're working on distracting her with a Benji movie currently. Hubby and FIL are visiting a relative and having some time together, so it's just us here. My two guys have stepped right up and are being as good to MIL as possible - answering her questions repeatedly, listening to her ever-changing (yet the same) made up stories, helping her with moving/dressing (not completely, but shoes & coat, etc) and meals, working on safe topics to try to distract her, and sitting through watching Benji while doing all the above. (Granted, like me, they're getting some break on the internet too.) They aren't complaining or making fun of her behind her back or in person. They are genuinely being nice to their grandma. No matter what else they accomplish in life, I'm not sure I can be prouder of who they've become in their early 20s. May that never get ruined. If everyone else in this world could be as patient and kind as these two, many world problems would be solved. I wish I could say they learned this from me, but they're more patient than I am... I need to learn from them. 65 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Southern Ivy Posted December 27, 2015 Share Posted December 27, 2015 You've raised some great men. :) 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heatherwith4 Posted December 27, 2015 Share Posted December 27, 2015 That's awesome! I have rarely been prouder of my kids than when I listened to them talking patiently with DH's Grandmother who had Alzheimer's and patiently answering her questions. :) 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 27, 2015 Share Posted December 27, 2015 Aww! That's wonderful! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnMyOwn Posted December 27, 2015 Share Posted December 27, 2015 That's wonderful to hear. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
creekland Posted December 27, 2015 Author Share Posted December 27, 2015 You've raised some great men. :) I'd love to take credit, but honestly? I've seen kids from great parents end up doing not-so-great things and vice versa. I think a ton of who they are is just who they are, esp when they're 20 and 21 years old. I'm just looking at them & their interactions and really proud of who they've grown up to be right now - a proud mama moment unlike any other TBH. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
creekland Posted December 27, 2015 Author Share Posted December 27, 2015 As you know, we just buried my grandmother with Alzheimers last week. People who were kind to her to the end earned my admiration. Since I live far away, I wasn't able to spend much time with her in her advanced state of confusion, but I am grateful to those who could. Reassure your boys of what a blessing they are being to their dear grandmother. Time marches on, and one day she will be gone. This time with her will be in their memories. :grouphug: I agree that I admire those who are kind to her. My in-laws go out to eat for almost every meal. They're both in their mid 80s and can afford it, plus don't want to cook and insist on no help. They are known in many of their favorite haunts. I truly admire those who go out of their way to be super nice to both of them, but esp MIL. I feel for other patrons though, esp those who are just stopping by. MIL can be loud with her comments (sigh). If anyone out there has contact with someone who is rude/tactless, etc, please let your first thought be mental illness. It really is that sometimes, perhaps many times. My guys have been smart. Every time she's made an off comment about someone in earshot, my youngest has interjected (nicely) saying, "Oh no, that's not those folks! That's ____ and they're the ones who helped you when ____!") MIL pauses, then says, "Oh that's right. I mixed them up." Sometimes it carries over in her mind and she'll then make up nice things instead of mean ones. All of it is made up, of course, but hopefully those who overhear can catch on to what's happening. I'll admit I'm hopeful the boys remember more of her younger years than these later ones though. Alzheimers is the pits. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted December 27, 2015 Share Posted December 27, 2015 Give yourself some credit, Mama -- your sons may have always had good hearts (probably got them from you...) but it's pretty obvious that they must have learned a lot of their kind and generous behavior from you, too. :) They sound like amazing young men who will always value their family. :hurray: 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lllll Posted December 27, 2015 Share Posted December 27, 2015 (edited) :) Edited December 30, 2015 by w11 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinder Posted December 27, 2015 Share Posted December 27, 2015 Beautiful! Thanks for sharing! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TranquilMind Posted December 27, 2015 Share Posted December 27, 2015 My younger two are here with me at MIL's house. MIL has Alzheimers and can't remember much, can't do much, and more that would turn most younger folks (or older folks) off (repeating questions, making up stories, poor hygiene, really bad comments about people/life, etc). She's been having quite the meltdown most of the morning and we're working on distracting her with a Benji movie currently. Hubby and FIL are visiting a relative and having some time together, so it's just us here. My two guys have stepped right up and are being as good to MIL as possible - answering her questions repeatedly, listening to her ever-changing (yet the same) made up stories, helping her with moving/dressing (not completely, but shoes & coat, etc) and meals, working on safe topics to try to distract her, and sitting through watching Benji while doing all the above. (Granted, like me, they're getting some break on the internet too.) They aren't complaining or making fun of her behind her back or in person. They are genuinely being nice to their grandma. No matter what else they accomplish in life, I'm not sure I can be prouder of who they've become in their early 20s. May that never get ruined. If everyone else in this world could be as patient and kind as these two, many world problems would be solved. I wish I could say they learned this from me, but they're more patient than I am... I need to learn from them. That is a proud, proud moment. Congratulations mom. You did well. Don't worry. She won't remember your impatient moments but only knows you love her. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scarlett Posted December 27, 2015 Share Posted December 27, 2015 My younger two are here with me at MIL's house. MIL has Alzheimers and can't remember much, can't do much, and more that would turn most younger folks (or older folks) off (repeating questions, making up stories, poor hygiene, really bad comments about people/life, etc). She's been having quite the meltdown most of the morning and we're working on distracting her with a Benji movie currently. Hubby and FIL are visiting a relative and having some time together, so it's just us here. My two guys have stepped right up and are being as good to MIL as possible - answering her questions repeatedly, listening to her ever-changing (yet the same) made up stories, helping her with moving/dressing (not completely, but shoes & coat, etc) and meals, working on safe topics to try to distract her, and sitting through watching Benji while doing all the above. (Granted, like me, they're getting some break on the internet too.) They aren't complaining or making fun of her behind her back or in person. They are genuinely being nice to their grandma. No matter what else they accomplish in life, I'm not sure I can be prouder of who they've become in their early 20s. May that never get ruined. If everyone else in this world could be as patient and kind as these two, many world problems would be solved. I wish I could say they learned this from me, but they're more patient than I am... I need to learn from them. Very sweet. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
creekland Posted December 28, 2015 Author Share Posted December 28, 2015 My first thought was your ds's would make great teachers - just like you, Creekland. :) They have all inherited natural teaching talent. I've seen them with younger kids, peers, and older adults. They adjust well to their audience and get concepts across to others quite easily. When there are official reviews, they do extremely well too. Interesting connection to put together. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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