Tennessee Ernie Ford, "Amazing Grace, 40 Treasured Hymns". I love this album as it brings back happy memories from my childhood, listening to Tennessee Ernie Ford on his TV show, or from the albums my father collected of his as well. Ah, yes, "Precious Memories" indeed.
My sweet 93 year old mother in law is sitting in her chair here beside me, listening, singing along and dozing off at the same time. These hymns have been like a tonic for her...calming her spirit and lifting her to a sacred place of worship and praise between her and her Savior. I love to watch her as she sits with her eyes closed and prayerfully harmonizes along with each hymn.She just woke up from a little dozing off with the most beautiful smile on her face, and I just had to take her picture so you could see. She said, "How long was I asleep?" I told, her "Not long...you were just feeling such peace listening to the beautiful music, you drifted off to another realm".
"Nanny", as we call her, has dementia, but lately, with the help of the Lord and some good medicines, she has become more like her old self mentally. That is a true blessing to us, her co-caregivers. We share the responsibility with her other son and family, and a couple of months ago she was getting so difficult to deal with we were all about desperate to place her in a nursing home. I don't mind telling you this because it was something that was becoming unbearable for all of us. Caring for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer's takes a terrific toll on the family...both in emotional and physical health. It also puts a great strain on marriages and other interpersonal relationships.
 |
| Nanny getting her first real pedicure! |
 |
| And a manicure helps keep those nails from chipping and cracking. |
However, being 93+ years old does continue to take its toll on her body physically. As if in exchange for her having a sweet spirit again, her body is starting to weaken and become more frail each day. Hence the pretty pink cast on her right arm, from when she fell a few weeks ago and broke her thumb. She tends to fall easily these days...so protecting her from getting hurt becomes a greater challenge.
To help us keep track of her at night we bought a baby monitor to put in her bedroom. Now, in addition to listening to my sweet hubby breathing/sometimes snoring, I can also hear his mother wiffling in her sleep from her room on the opposite end of our house. Quite a cacophony at times! But then, when I sleep I serenade the whole house with my snorts! So I guess we're even! Ha Ha!
We know that there are still some major challenges ahead. We are taking things one day at a time, and seeking God's direction for whatever is best for all concerned. I believe He has her life in His hands, and He will continue to care for her one way or the other until He calls her home. I pray also that He will continue to give us wisdom and strength for each day so that we will know what is best for all concerned.
In the meantime, we will continue to enjoy these pleasant interludes together and be thankful for God's little reprieve. And listening to old time gospel hymns and other music from her past is a precious way to keep that smile on her face and her spirit in tune with her master until He calls her home someday. It kind of soothes my soul too. So that's a win-win!!
For some previous posts about our caregiving experience with "Nanny", Click HERE: http://pamelasopenwindow.blogspot.com/2015/04/trying-to-stay-on-track.html,
http://pamelasopenwindow.blogspot.com/2014/11/thanksgiving-role-reversal-and-golden.html
http://pamelasopenwindow.blogspot.com/2016/03/wave-white-flag-i-surrender.html
http://pamelasopenwindow.blogspot.com/2016/08/serving-with-grace.html
http://pamelasopenwindow.blogspot.com/2015/08/enjoying-nanny.html
http://pamelasopenwindow.blogspot.com/2014/10/change-of-plans.html
I am praying for you and Nanny today. Those old hymns lift our spirits and draw us close to the Savior. I remember how Tennessee Ernie ended his show with a hymn.
ReplyDeleteThank you Karen. Listening to hymns is also a great way to avoid the news on this pre-election day. Helps me stay in prayer for our nation instead of fretting over the latest news.
DeleteMy father, who passed away two years ago, suffered with Alzheimer's. Fortunately, mom and dad had health insurance that paid for round the clock care in the home. I don't know how we would have all managed without it!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad the new medicines are having a positive effect on Nanny; let us pray that there will be a cure for this life-stealing disease one day . . .
Blessings!
Yes, we do pray for a cure...hopefully before our generation gets there! But for many it is already too late. Yes, we are very thankful that the meds are helping her...it truly was like a miracle...such a change it made in her whole demeanor...and such a relief to us. But we know this is only a brief interlude. I am sorry for your loss. I know your family suffered through that even with the extra help. It really hurts to lose our loved ones mentally even before they leave us physically.
DeleteTennessee Ernie Ford had the most beautiful voice for hymns and I am now enjoying the album you shared!! I love that photo of your dear MIL. What a blessing that the medicine change brought her back to you. Blessings for you all!
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm so glad you are enjoying the music too! I was so happy when I found this particular album online. It has been a lifeline for my MIL, but we all enjoy listening to it. Yes, the Lord worked a miracle through these meds...not sure what the special ingredient was, but whatever it is...it's working, and we thank the Lord.
DeletePam: Back in the mid 1980's there were no affordable medications for Alzheimer's patients. Hubby's one sister had all the signs. He didn't want to accept it. The only way medical people could verify a person had it was investigating after the patient had passed on.
ReplyDeleteYes, it has always been a very heartbreaking disease, for the victim as well as the family. I had an Aunt who succumbed to early onset alzheimers at a youong age, and very sadly all three of her children, my cousins, have all passed away already from the same thing. They were all younger than me. Praying for a cure. My MIL doesn't have alzheimer's, but dementia can be just as bad. We are very thankful that the meds have helped her recover some of her mental abilities...but not totally. Mostly just helped her to be sweet again. That was a BIG plus. Thank you for stopping by...
DeleteAt least three of my dad's aunts had either Alzheimer's or Dementia. He had Alzheimer's. Early this year, we discovered that my mother had died. Someone called me and filled me in on some of her issues. She also had dementia. Because I am aware of all of these in my family background, I try to do the crossword puzzles, in print form or on my tablet. I also enjoy the word-search puzzles. Anything to keep my mind active.
DeleteI am sorry to hear about your mother passing earlier this year. Yes, dementia is heart breaking...my mother also had it, but not severely. The puzzles, etc. are a good idea, as is writing a blog and staying physically active as well as mentally...as much as possible. Right now I'd just like to take a nap. It's been a stressful week. :)
DeletePraying for you and your sweet Nanny. She looks like she's really enjoying that pedicure. I'm glad you have the right combo of meds. Makes such a big difference. I remember listening to Tennessee Ernie Ford at my grandmother's house when I was a child. She loved those songs and especially the hymns. Whenever I hear "I come to the garden alone..." I think of her and of him.
ReplyDeleteI think of you and your Mama also. I know you are ready for a little break next week. So happy you will have that time away. It can make such a difference in your own health. Oh, yes, "In the Garden", "Precious Memories", "Let the Lower Lights Be Burning", and so many other wonderful old hymns that we never get to sing anymore. Tennessee Ernie Ford's voice is very soothing. Of course, I love Sixteen Tons too!!!
DeleteSo very precious. Your MIL is beautiful. What a blessing she's having better days.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Yes, we are very thankful and blessed. She is a beautiful lady, in every way.
DeleteWhat a sweet, sweet post and your dear MIL is as precious as can be!!
ReplyDeleteYou can see the joy of the Lord all over her face, oh such beauty.
Praise the Lord for His care in helping out with her meds.
Tennessee Ernie Ford, sweet, sweet music in deed. Thank you for the link.
Nice visiting with you, dear lady~~
THank you for stopping by, and for your kind words. Yes, my MIL is precious. We are thankful for her presence in our lives in so many ways, even when it becomes "challenging". Glad you enjoyed the Tennessee Ernie Ford link. I love it.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete