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I want to tell you a story about my mom and her best friends. These women graduated together from high school in 1976.
For the past 5 years they have gotten together nearly monthly for a meal out. Time to fellowship and mostly laugh.
One of her friends is Debbie. Debbie’s husband, William, has Alzheimer’s Disease. It has continually been harder for her to leave him at home for their monthly restaurant dinners.
Instead of stopping, they moved the dinners to Debbie’s house so they can include William. Now, each month they bring in dinner and especially a dessert (because that’s William’s favorite).
The friends stay to clean up and leave leftovers for Debbie and William. They are understanding, kind and patient with William but most of all, they are a bright spot in Debbie’s hard caregiving month.
And, they are the kind of friends you can tell “it’s time to go home” or “not tonight ladies” and there are no hard feelings.
They have maintained a community for Debbie and William and encouraged her that she is not alone in this journey. I wish all caregivers had a friend group like theirs.
My mom has also helped to plug Debbie and William into Dementia Alliance for additional resources and support.
I am constantly inspired by this group but these gestures of true friendship and acceptance makes me proud.
Over the next few months we will be focusing on how we can help our friends and neighbors living with dementia. How can we ensure no one in our neighborhood goes through this journey alone? I hope you will follow along.
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