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“Lady Girl” – aka when Mom forgets who I am

September 13, 2017

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Mom had referred to me as her sister and her friend. Then, as Tramadol messed with her mind, she asked me if I’d be her secretary and later, my personal favorite, her “Lady Girl.” I was just glad she still knew I was on her side.

—excerpt from Living Is for Living: A Caregiver’s Story

Letting go Alzheimer's Disease, Caregiving, Friendship, Gratitude, Losing a loved one, Marriage, One day at a time, Step 9 terry@thejoyofcaring.com 17 Comments

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Comments

  1. Darlene Junker says

    September 13, 2017 at 5:47 pm

    Your sharing your experiences and feelings helps others in the process. So, share away ?.

    Reply
    • Anne Mahoney Hayes says

      September 13, 2017 at 7:34 pm

      Teri – it’s been so long since I’ve seen you but you sound so much the same: warm, caring, practical (about accepting the way things are), loyal, all the things I valued in you way back in college. I also appreciate you sharing this since none of us knows when it will be our journey as well and then we’ll need to be ready. Hearing how you are processing this helps me think about how I will try to (channeling you!) if my time comes. You are very respectful of your mom and she would be so proud of you. Anne

      Reply
    • terry@thejoyofcaring.com says

      July 1, 2021 at 11:01 am

      Thanks Darlene!

      Reply
  2. Karen Amero says

    September 13, 2017 at 6:35 pm

    Thank you for sharing this. I’m glad that writing helps you. Laughter has always been a way for me to cope in difficult times so embrace your “lady girl ” status!

    Reply
    • terry@thejoyofcaring.com says

      June 29, 2021 at 2:27 am

      Yes, laughter is such a welcome relief : )

      Reply
  3. Mollie Woodson says

    September 13, 2017 at 7:05 pm

    Your words are inspirational & breathtaking at the same time. Thank you for sharing your journey, Terry. Amazing.

    Reply
    • terry@thejoyofcaring.com says

      July 1, 2021 at 11:02 am

      So nice to cross paths with you Mollie.

      Reply
  4. Ann Noble says

    September 13, 2017 at 7:50 pm

    Keep up the great attitude, “Lady Girl”. Always love reading your posts. It connects me not only to your Mom but to a long ago life in the Portland area. I still miss those days.

    Reply
    • terry@thejoyofcaring.com says

      July 1, 2021 at 11:03 am

      Let me know when you’ll be back – I’d love to see you!

      Reply
  5. Cheri Newton says

    September 13, 2017 at 9:03 pm

    Lady Girl…write away! Your mom is lucky to have you by her side!

    Reply
    • terry@thejoyofcaring.com says

      July 1, 2021 at 11:03 am

      💕

      Reply
  6. Julie tselikis says

    September 14, 2017 at 1:33 am

    I loved how you described your Mom because it reminds me of the woman I knew in the C.E.M.S. guidance office so many years ago. I admire you and your family for every step you are taking in the care of your Mom. Thoughts and prayers coming to you, Terry.

    Reply
    • terry@thejoyofcaring.com says

      July 1, 2021 at 11:04 am

      Thank you

      Reply
  7. Leslie Schmidt says

    September 14, 2017 at 4:36 pm

    I can’t even see while I type this through my tear-filled eyes. Sending you love and hugs and strength. You are amazing!

    Reply
    • terry@thejoyofcaring.com says

      June 28, 2021 at 9:17 pm

      Sending you love and hugs and strength too my friend!

      Reply
  8. KOH says

    September 16, 2017 at 1:19 am

    Gosh Perk– you write so well. I can’t even imagine what you go through in even one day. You are so smart and strong. You go, Lady Girl!!

    Reply
    • terry@thejoyofcaring.com says

      July 1, 2021 at 11:05 am

      Right back at ya KOH!

      Reply

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I am Acadia Manset's granddaughter. Raised in Maine, graduated from Dartmouth College and Harvard Law, I have spent the last 24 years parenting. With our adult kids in the process of leaving the nest, my mom has moved in, leading to precious time and daily opportunities I never anticipated. I hope that this site will inspire insight and growth, humor and fun, questions and answers, for you and for me.

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Raised in Maine, I had spent the prior 24 years parenting, mostly in Wisconsin. With our adult kids in the process of leaving the nest, my mom moved in, from Maine, leading to precious time and daily opportunities I had never anticipated. I launched this site in 2017 as a way to share that experience, hoping to pass along what I was learning about Alzheimer's disease, to process the challenging parts, and to have some fun too. I never anticipated the way the community of readers would fuel me in staying the course. Today, I am deeply grateful for that, and so much more.

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