Winter Blues

Christmas was a whirlwind and while it was a wonderful time with family and friends it was a tad stressful. I won't go into details but I know that family get-togethers will never be the same they once were and that is a hard truth to swallow. While I have read people's happy quotes about how this year will be even better than the last I know that with Alzheimer's we cannot cling to that positive hope. We will try, but I fear things only start to go slowly downhill on our journey through this disease.

Our good friend's mother passed away unexpectedly over New Years. She was such a beautiful person and always genuine and concerned how others were. You can tell she was a fantastic mother because both of her boys are not only brilliant and well mannered but hilarious and amazing people. I flew down to New Orleans for the funeral not because I am considered to be in their closest circle of friends, but because this family along with another are fixtures of our summers in the Mountains and their mother had the same love I do of taking photographs and preserving memories made together. And there is really nothing you can do for a friend in this situation except to let them know you are there and love them.

I know some warmer weather and exercise will help shake these winter doldrums I am experiencing but since writing can be so cathartic thought I would post as well. I have to thank the friends and family that are there for us while we learn and understand how to navigate this territory of dementia. You might not know how to help but just being there for email venting, coffee, cocktails or helping with Mom go far more than you know. I know I need to be a big girl and snap out of this mood but maybe I'll let it linger the rest of today and be a big girl tomorrow.

I hope you all had very Merry Holidays and are looking forward to outstanding 2014's.