A Few of My Favorite Things to Be Grateful For

Ever since my grandson, Thomas, was born I have been thinking of my mom. I have been wishing with all my heart that she was still here with us and how much she would have loved spending time with Thomas! How she would have loved to see my daughter, Nicole, grow into her new role as a mom. But then I think to myself how much she really is still “here” with us in our memories and in all the things she did with us.

I remember how she used to make up and sing funny songs to my kids, and now I am doing that with Thomas and thinking of her. When I cook up a recipe I learned from her, I feel my mom cooking with me. When I see swans on a nearby pond I think of her. When I put up seasonal decorations that were hers I think of how happy it would make her. When I place her ring on my finger that was passed from my grandmother to my mom and then to me, I feel them both here with me.

Grateful for every single day with my mom

Mom struggled on her Alzheimer’s journey for about 10 years. It was a long and difficult journey that I truly wish no one else would have to endure. As Mom began to decline right before our eyes, it seemed that our time together flew by faster and faster every day. And then before we were ready, she was gone. Try to be grateful for every single day that you have with your loved one because you do not know which one will be the last.

Every day we can find something to be grateful for. No matter what kind of day your loved one with Alzheimer’s is having we can try to find a small ray of sunshine. If we are exhausted and feel like giving up, there is still hope.

These are a few of my favorite things we can be grateful for:

• When your loved one smiles at you when you walk in the room.
• When your loved one is able to eat their dinner.
• When your loved one comes home from the hospital after an illness.
• Working on a puzzle together.
• Coloring a pretty picture.
• Holding your loved one's hand.
• When your loved one is able to sleep through the night.
• When your loved one still has the ability to walk.
• Having a cup of coffee with your loved one.
• Sharing a meal together.
• When your loved one willingly lets you give them a shower.
• A small kindness someone we love does for us.
• The friend or family member who calls to check on how you are doing.
• The neighbor who brings over fresh tomatoes from their garden.
• The friend who takes time out of their busy day to bring you and your loved one a meal.
• The co-worker who helps you finish the report that is due so you can spend more time with your loved one.
• The family member or friend who sits with your loved one while you take some time for yourself.
• The family member who organizes a zoom call with the family just to say hello.
• The research the Alzheimer’s Association is conducting.
• Our online community where we can support each other, learn from each other, and listen to each other because we all deserve to be heard.

Please share with us in the comments below all the things you are grateful for with your loved one. We would love to hear from you.