Sisters with Alzheimer's Remember Each Other

Definition of Alzheimer's Disease According to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America:

The definition of Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative disorder that attacks the brain's nerve cells, or neurons, resulting in loss of memory, thinking and language skills, and behavioral changes.

I am so grateful for being part of a large family. There is nothing more wonderful than relatives~they remind you who you are and where you came from.~their the people you go through life's ups and downs with. They know things about you that even long-time friends might not know. Having a family is what life is all about. I know the older I've become, the more I realize how I need them in my life and how much they mean to me.

This past weekend I attended my Uncle Bill's funeral. He was eighty-five years old and in great shape. He and aunt Franny have always been active people who loved the outdoors.He was recently diagnosed with melanoma and underwent radiation treatment. The doctor's gave him a clean bill of health but soon he was having back and hip pain. Unfortunately the doctor's had bad news. The cancer had come back with a vengeance and was spreading rapidly. He was told he had only days left to live. A man of deep faith and love of family, he took the news courageously.

10 Signs of Alzheimer's Disease according to RM Healthy:

1. Memory Loss
2. Employment Problems
3. Daily Life Confusion (everyday tasks)
4. Visual Issues
5. Fine Motor Skills
6. Trouble Speaking
7. Losing Items
8. Poor Judgement
9. Emotional or Moody
10. Decreased Activities

The funeral for my uncle was a wonderful celebration of his life. What a family reunion it was. There was lots of hugging, picture taking, and catching up on each other's lives. I know this is exactly what Uncle Bill would have wanted.

The day was full of amazing moments but one stands out above the rest. It was a scene I will never forget. My Aunt Franny (Uncle Bill's wife) and her sister Muggs are battling Alzheimer's. We reminded them that they were sister's. They looked at each other for a moment and then remembered. Aunt Franny said, "Your my sister," and Aunt Muggs replied, "your mine too." Franny then confidently proclaimed, "well what do you know about that." After this touching scene, Franny began pushing her sister around in her wheelchair. She wore a look of pride and joy on her face that was priceless.

*This moving experience is a reminder to us all that nothing can come between the sacred bond of love*