>>How is it possible to have any sort of relationship with a person who has Altzheimers?<<
Janice, I think you'd be surprised the kind of relationships people can have when they are motivated by love....My mother had Altzheimers and while she was severely diminished during the last 6 months of her life, I can assure you that our relationship was very real. Nobody will ever convince me that she did not "relate" to my presence. She could not communicate, but she certainly responded to my kisses, hugs, brushing her hair, stroking her hand, etc. She always responded to me. When the nurses were unable to quiet my mother, they would call me, because as well intentioned as their efforts were, they obviously didn't have the relationship with her that I did, (or her grandchildren, my husband and others who loved her for that matter). But just as important was my ability to relate to her as well.. The essence that was my mother was still very much in existence, and I most certainly could relate to that and benefited from it.
I fully understand what the Reagan's are going through, I can tell you most assuredly that Patti has a relationship with her Dad, and the fact that she is reconciled with him will be a psychological and emotion comfort to her, the depths of which, according to your comments, you just can't seem to understand. Your comments on RWR and his family display a shallowness that I find disturbing..... |
