Loss of Self
In Memory of Howard Hupke
I was going to post steps on how to make the shadow box ATC and as I was working on those I got a phone call that my grandfather has passes away. I made this scrapbook page after taking him to the zoo last summer. To anyone with a family member with Alzheimer’s disease my heart goes out to you, it’s a hard road to travel.
This is my journaling
Loss of Self:Grandpa is a very strong man; he has always worked hard physical labor as an airplane mechanic. He’s always told great stories that left a little mystery about his past. He loves to talk, coffee and desert, well any kind of food and to work on stuff, whether it’s around the house or fixing up old airplanes. When this photo was taken it was the last time he remembered my name. You see, Alzheimer is stealing him from us a little bit at a time. He is a different person than the happy talkative person that I had known. Today he is quiet, asking the same questions over and over. He is scared or angry wondering who we are and why are we keeping him here. It is a hard thing to see the person that you love and to know that he has loss of himself.
In Memory of Howard HupkeI was going to post steps on how to make the shadow box ATC and as I was working on those I got a phone call that my grandfather has passes away. I made this scrapbook page after taking him to the zoo last summer. To anyone with a family member with Alzheimer’s disease my heart goes out to you, it’s a hard road to travel.
This is my journaling
Loss of Self:Grandpa is a very strong man; he has always worked hard physical labor as an airplane mechanic. He’s always told great stories that left a little mystery about his past. He loves to talk, coffee and desert, well any kind of food and to work on stuff, whether it’s around the house or fixing up old airplanes. When this photo was taken it was the last time he remembered my name. You see, Alzheimer is stealing him from us a little bit at a time. He is a different person than the happy talkative person that I had known. Today he is quiet, asking the same questions over and over. He is scared or angry wondering who we are and why are we keeping him here. It is a hard thing to see the person that you love and to know that he has loss of himself.
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12 comments:
I am so sorry for your loss.
~Lacey
So sorry for your sad loss.
I'm so sorry about the loss of your GF. Alzheimers is such a terrible disease.
Jeni sorry to hear of your Grandpa's passing. Just think of the good memories that "you" have of him before his loss of self. TFS, as it helps a lot of us who are walking in your steps as I write. Love, Audrey
I am so sorry for the loss of your Grandfather. Hold on tight to all of the good memories and times shared. Your journaling was very heartfelt. TFS!
Thank you for sharing. I,too, am on that path with a former aircraft mechanic, pilot, and owner self-made business man daddy! I saw him give a huge chunk of his pride for well-kept teeth last Wednesday as he answered 'pull it out' when given options by an endodontist! That was a heartbreak in the loosing path of Alzheimer disease. Now, your page of memory on the last day recalling your name puts all the love into a gracious continuation = scrapbooking all the way. Thanks. Good memories are most precious for us in the Alz trek. e Keep Looking UP!
I'm sadly dealing with that too in my father. It is heartbreaking. This isn't that man that raised me but, I'll walk with him and hold his hand for as long as it takes. Hugs.
Jeni
I'm so sorry for your loss of your grandfather. I lost my mother to Alzheimers 2 1/2 years ago. It's such a devastating disease and a difficult road to travel. I know your grandfather was very lucky to have you, your love and support. I hope you'll remember the good and happy times.
Thank you for all your wonderful thoughts. Alzheimer’s is a disease that affects the lives of so many; I pray that a cure can be found.
Jeni...I am so sorry for your loss, and I think your narrative was pretty much right on target. I am an RN, and have said that for years. Alzheimer's is a cruel disease. It's the only disease I know of which steals away a person's identity. It truly is a loss of self, and so hard for the family as well. Thank God for the memories!!! Great scrapbook page..which I suspect will help give you and your family peace when you look at it!!! Hisses, Rockin Robin
Jeni, I am so sorry for your loss, but glad that your grandfather is now at peace. I imagine that he has gone to a place where he can remember everything, including all of the wonderful times he had with friends and family.
G'day Jeni
sorry to hear of your grandfather's passing and his loss of self before then due to alzheimers.Like Robin I too am an RN and work in high care aged care.I'd say 95% of my residents are high need dementia residents.Yep hard and heart warming work to care for them and their families.I never forget they may froget what I say or do but they remember how I make them feel.Your scrap page shows you loved hyour grandfather and felt loss too.He was lucky to have you as family and you to have many years of memories of him to keep .I love your work so keep creating and caring
hugs
Annette In Oz
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