It's Walk Day and I'm super excited to be walking for #MyFavoriteGirl. She's my Lady. She's my Why.
This year, more than any of the previous ones, the walk has so much more meaning to me. This happens to be one of my favorite pictures of her. It was taken during the earlier stages of her dementia, around 3-4 years ago. Since this time, she's lost a great deal of her cognitive abilities. Just about everything has to be done for her--bathing, getting dressed, putting on shoes and socks, brushing her teeth, combing her hair--all has to be done with assistance. Over the past few weeks, I've spent time near her while she eats redirecting her to use her spoon when she eats and not her hands. Some days, I've had to assist by feeding her. I'm here and most days, she knows my name but there are days when she thinks I'm her momma, some her "little sister," some her cousin. I adjusted to it a long while ago so it's become natural and doesn't hurt anymore. Here's the thing though, she may not recognize me as her baby girl but she does recognize me as her Carer. She knows that I'm here. She knows that I love her. She's safe with me. I'm her calm in the midst of her chaotic thoughts. She follows me around like a little one would their parent. In reality, I've become a parent to my mom. . .
In short, this is dementia. This is Alzheimer's. She is my Why. But not just her. When I lace up my shoes and take this walk this morning, I'm walking for her two sisters and brother (who too are battling Alzheimer's) and every other person and family affected by it. I'll be praying as I walk that God will heal them, be it miraculously or by providing a cure through medicine. I'll be praying for every Caregiver, for renewed strength and greater grace to #KeepGoing #KeepPushing #KeepLoving (and on the most difficult days especially) to #KeepCARING.
To EVERY PERSON who made a donation and/or will be walking with me today on Team #MyFavoriteGirl, I say, THANK YOU!!! Let's get it!!!!
If you're reading this...I LOVE YOU! Make today your greatest yet!!!
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