My grandmother, Ruth, passed away a few days ago. I’m heading out to Illinois early tomorrow morning to attend her funeral on Friday.
Unfortunately I didn’t know my Grandma very well. She lived in Illinois most of her life and we went back to visit her a few times when I was a kid. She’s only been out to California twice. When my Grandpa died she moved out here to live with us but only lasted a few months before she missed Illinois. I was only 6. She came out here one other time to visit about 8 years ago for a week.
She had Alzheimer’s disease for the past several years of her life. She got to the point where she didn’t recognize anyone. She was in a rest home for the past few years. One funny story about her is that she didn’t think she was a resident there, she thought she was one of the employees and tried to help the other residents. She was that kind of person.
From the limited amount of times I was around her and from the many stories I’ve heard from my Dad, she was a truly wonderful woman. Alzheimer’s is a terrible and frightening disease. We can only hope that researchers discover a cure soon. It’s sad to think of so many people missing out on their last years of life.
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#1 by Andi on November 6th, 2008
My Grandmother passed away last year after battling Alzheimer’s. She was also in a home. She lost her ability to speak the last two years. I did not visit her much because (a) she did not know who I was and (b) she was such a vibrant, spunky, loving woman, I could not bear to see her as she was and wanted to retain my wonderful memories of her. Having grown up with a military father we only got to see her about once a year, but I loved it. When I moved to CA to go to college I lived with my Grandparents for a year, it was wonderful. But after that as I got older, it went back to less frequent visits. Alzheimer’s took my dad’s dad too and my mom’s dad is suffering from it as well. With 3 out of 4 grandparents who had or do have the disease, I am worried myself. It is such an awful disease not only for the person but for their loved ones. I support Alzheimer research in a big way and my heart goes out to anyone touched by it.
Thanks for sharing, Dan.
Andis last blog post..I feel like a young bride the night before her wedding
#2 by Sensibly Sassy on November 6th, 2008
It is incredibly sad that so many people lose all of their memories-but at least she is at peace now
Sensibly Sassys last blog post..Yes We Did, Yes We Will, Yes We Can!
#3 by Jenn on November 6th, 2008
My grandma on my dad’s side passed away a few years ago after dealing with Alzheimer’s. It was difficult to deal with – especially because she didn’t remember me. I know she’s at peace now and I’m sure she’s watching over me…making sure I don’t do anything too stupid
Sending you all sorts of good vibes and e-hugs.
#4 by R on November 6th, 2008
My condolences. I hope your trip back to Illinois gives you a chance to learn more about the person she was.
#5 by terri on November 8th, 2008
I’m so sorry for your loss. My grandmother, too had alzheimers in her later years. It was so hard to see her lose her hold on the memories she had kept alive for so long.
terris last blog post..Peace