THE THIEF ( ALZHEIMER'S)

He was half sitting up on the bed when I walked into the room.
Staring  in the dark.
What are you doing I asked .
I don’t know where I am he said. I don’t know how I got here.
Why didn’t you call for me?
I didn’t know who to call for; whose house this is. Who would come.
I gently patted his hand,  and wiped his brow. It’s okay, honey  i’m with you  now.
I'm glad you're here he said. It was scary.
Whose house is this , he asked.  What city are we in?
It’s our house I tell Gary,  my husband of forty years.
 We live in Clarkston.
Oh. I thought I drove my truck to Huntington Beach.
Are  we close to the beach?
No, dear. But we are near a river.
Wonder if I have to use the bathroom. Where is the bathroom?
And on and on it goes until he’s more calm and falls asleep.
Alzheimer’s is like a thief who comes again and again,
at first stealing just a little bit, then more and more
until nothing’s left but
confusion
sadness
forgotten years
fear
and tears

Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia have touched the lives of many families, robbing
loved ones of memory, vitality, a sense of well being.  But like all journeys , there are sign posts along the way to help guide our  path;  family, friends, Alzheimer's support groups, faith.
Along with God's word  in the Bible, that He is with us always , I have found the following books  helpful in understanding more about the disease, how to better relate to my husband as we travel this road together, and the importance of finding some  quiet time for myself.

* The 36 Hour Day by Nancy L. Mace, M.A and Peter V. Rabins, M.D., P.P.H.

* My Two Elaines
 Learning , Coping, and Surviving as an Alzheimer's Caregiver by Martin J. Schrieber

* where Two worlds Touch 
A Spiritual Journey Through Alzheimer's Disease by Jade C. Angelica

*Learning to Speak Alzheimer's 
A Groundbreaking Approach for Everyone Dealing with the Disease by Joanne Koenig Coste