It hasn’t all been tears and sadness.  There have been countless smiles accompanied with much laughter.  My mom (Norma Jean) has a quick wit and loves to interact with people by kissing, hugging, pinching, tickling, elbowing and who knows what else she has done when I’m not looking. Her playfulness is an instant attraction to young and old alike.  She is a people person and enjoys being with acquaintances, strangers, friends and as often as allows, her family.  Her beautiful smile has always drawn people to her and more often than not, friends recount her smile as one of their favorite things about her.

One such incident happened one weekend when I took her to a popular seafood restaurant called “Steamboat Bills,” and as we walked into the restaurant, there was a long line of people waiting to be seated.  With no regard or understanding for the protocol to be followed, my Mom just barged through the line all the while shaking hands, patting children’s heads, kissing babies and sometimes the occasional adult and giving everyone hugs.  I thought to myself; she missed her calling in politics!

With many more stories to share, I invite you to come back and visit this page as I share my on the job training as I care for not only an Alzheimer’s patient but someone near and dear to my heart.

I am not a healthcare professional.  I have no training specific to Alzheimer’s.  But I am a daughter who knows it is my calling to take care of my Mother and honor her all the days of her life.

Don’t be a stranger,