So, I have a blog that is appropriately titled. I was told to get a blog and to stop posting things on facebook. So, here it is.
I have been chastised by loved ones about my posts on facebook about my Dad.......daily struggles, frustrations and such. I was told that I am exploiting Dad and his disease. Hmmm.....really? The funny thing is that I have several facebook friends that are caring for parents/loved ones with Alzheimer's/Dementia and they are always the ones "liking" and commenting on my posts, sending me private messages about their struggles too and realizing that they aren't the only ones. It helps them.
I can't say that is my purpose - at least not my sole purpose. Part of it is just the need to get it out instead of holding it in. Part of it is helping with awareness of this awful disease. Part of it is just me screaming for a little understanding or help or something. I am not trying to be a martyr, I am not trying to gain sympathy.......but most people just don't get it. They have no clue what goes on in this house every single day. There are (immediate) family members that have not spoken to my Dad in 21 months since my Mom passed away. There are immediate family members that come in to town and don't bother coming to see him. I find all that interesting and sad. They are the ones that Dad is forgetting, they are the ones missing out on his moments of clarity, the humor that still comes out on occasion. They are the ones that will have regret....maybe.
