Dear Amie,
I read this and shed a tear remembering how my grandfather, my best friend, my strength and support succumb to his dementia 2 years ago.
The hardest part of what your going through is that sense of your loved one being here, but not really being here; as they are not themselves when there mind is not clear. I can't tell you how many nights I cried myself to sleep, or panicked about his welfare or even worse wondered how he felt about his life. When my grandfathers dementia got bad he no longer knew he was forgetting, which made it easy for him but worse for us because he really felt nothing for us he did not remember past the age of about 10yo.
You have to ask yourself what would your dad do in this situation? what would he want for you? in some way answering this is like having him there to tell you, like feeling his strength to help you get through this very tough time.
I won't lie its not easy, but your love for him and his years of guidance to this point will give you the stregth to get through this.
There is not a day I don't think about my grandad now, that void can not be filled but when I do think of him I smile. I was so blessed to have him for the time he was with me and it seems I actually had his strength all along.
hugs to you, I hope today is a better day what a strong and brave soul you are.
XX Amanda
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