The First Year With My Mother and Her Battle With Alzheimer's

My mother has always been a force of nature, a woman of strength, independence, and quick wit. She was the heart of our family, always there to offer support, guidance, and unwavering love. So, when I began to notice subtle changes in her behavior, I couldn't ignore the growing concern in my heart.

It started one evening as we strolled to our favorite steakhouse in Chicago. I noticed Mom was walking slower than usual, almost shuffling. When I playfully teased her about it, she brushed it off, but I couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss.

Over the following months, her once-sharp memory seemed to falter. She'd repeat questions, forget appointments, and misplace things more often. Her usually vibrant personality became subdued, and she seemed to withdraw into herself.

After a particularly concerning Thanksgiving weekend, I confided in a friend who happened to be a neurosurgeon. He gently suggested that Mom's symptoms might be early signs of Alzheimer's disease, a condition that, unfortunately, ran in our family.

The diagnosis was a gut punch. It felt like the ground had shifted beneath my feet. But, as difficult as it was to accept, it also explained so much. The changes I had noticed in Mom weren't just her getting older; they were the early stages of a disease that would eventually rob her of her memories and independence.

As her condition progressed, I found myself facing a difficult decision. I had just received a promising investment for my startup, which required me to relocate to Ft. Walton Beach, FL. But leaving Mom in her current state felt impossible.

Torn between my dreams and my responsibilities, I decided to return home for a few weeks before making the move. During that time, I witnessed firsthand the toll Alzheimer's was taking on Mom. Her concentration and energy levels were declining, and she needed more help with daily tasks.

It became clear that I couldn't leave her in this vulnerable state. So, I made the difficult decision to put my career aspirations on hold and move back to Michigan to care for her full-time.

The first year was the hardest. There were good days filled with laughter, reminiscing, and shared moments of joy. But there were also bad days, days when Mom's confusion and frustration would boil over, leaving us both feeling exhausted and defeated.

I learned to be patient, to adapt to her changing needs, and to find the strength to keep going even when it felt overwhelming. I discovered the power of small victories, like when she remembered my name or when she smiled at a joke I told.

Caring for someone with Alzheimer's is a journey filled with challenges, but it's also a journey of love, resilience, and unexpected moments of grace. It's taught me to appreciate the present moment, to cherish the memories we have, and to find joy in the simplest things.

As I reflect on this first year, I'm filled with a mix of emotions. There's sadness, of course, but there's also gratitude for the time I have with Mom, for the lessons I've learned, and for the unwavering love that binds us together.