Sunny's Song

Sunny wanted to write a song for the Reflections program sponsered by the PTA.  They have a different theme every year, this year it was "Magic of the Moment".  She discovered the tune on her ukelele, and was struggling with the words.  We were looking at some old photos and found these pictures of her and Peggy at an aquarium walking around, having lunch together and we couldn't believe that was her, and not that long ago.  So, she wrote these words, developed a chorus and melody and her Dad and friend Scott Bennett recorded it at his home studio.  My dear friend Barbie Pritchard turned it into a video, and here it is...

I Remember by Sunny Rae Keller

Lots of Peggys

4 Peggys walked into a bar...

PJ and Gidget at the Studio City Farmer's Market

Just kidding.  I just feel a little lighter, a little less burdened, and a little exhausted when my family comes to visit and we all visit Peggy together.  Thanks for spending time, helping me go through her clothes, helping me order new shirts that she needs that are more practical than beautiful, for taking the kids, eating a cupcake with me and for being a part of our world that includes living with Alzheimer's.  

Alzheimers Fashion

I'm so glad Peggy Lu and PJ are here to help me make these "fashion" choices for my Mom.

Well, that didn't work

Ativan, that is.  Peggy does not like to be touched.  To be moved, or changed, or any of that.  It's called agitation. We've tried things in the past, but they knocked her out.  Sometimes she seems so aggravated that we thought maybe a little knocking out would be okay.  Relax her in times of stress.  Well, that didn't work.  A small dose of Ativan in liquid form before she needed to be bathed or changed or fed, only made her drool.  A feisty drooler, choking on her own saliva.  Alzheimer's research not only needs to address a cure, but care during end stages.  There doesn't seem to be much out there for me during this time. If anyone knows, please pass it along.  There certainly aren't any trials, they all say she is too far along, not eligible.  But, what about these last two years that have been heart breaking for us, to see her so "agitated", and these end stages, don't seem to have an end, how long will this stage last?  Certainly long enough to study what works, because we certainly have a list of what doesn't.

We Walk Today

Dear Mom,
I will walk today
because you can't anymore

Your granddaughters will walk today
because they wish you could read them a story

My husband will walk today
because he knows my tears in the middle of the night

Friends will walk today
because they have taken the time to listen to our story

Strangers will walk today
because they share our fate

We will all walk today

when you are crying out
when you are alone in your bed
when you are being propped up and spoon fed your breakfast
when you are swearing as your diaper is changed
when your smile turns into a desperate frown
when the music plays in your room to calm you down

And even though you don't know who we are,
we will walk today
because if you could, you would walk with us.

Love, Lois


Donations of any amount are gratefully received. THANK YOU!

On Alzheimer’s Prevention, Obama Has A Record To Run On

On Alzheimer’s Prevention, Obama Has A Record To Run On: pOur guest blogger is Amy R. Borenstein, Ph.D., a professor of epidemiology at the University of South Florida’s College of Public Health. You wouldn’t know it from listening to the recent presidential debates, but President Obama has made some real accomplishments in supporting the fight against Alzheimer’s disease — accomplishments with potentially significant economic benefits. [...]/p