The Block's Mother and Alzheimer's Disease....
@theBlock (2657)
United States
August 19, 2018 10:44am CST
When my mother, who had Alzheimer's, didn't recognize me when I told her I was her son, I was heartbroken. But what hurt the most was that she became so disheartened and hard on herself for not recognizing her own son. I didn't want her to feel that way toward herself anymore. So when she asked again who I was, I simply said I was a "good friend." And that made her very happy....
Happy Birthday, Momma---miss and love you.... Aug. 19 (1925-2001)
10 people like this
9 responses
@theBlock (2657)
• United States
20 Aug 18
@caopaopao
Thank you. My mother raised me to be thoughtful....
2 people like this
@1hopefulman (45120)
• Canada
19 Aug 18
Alzheimer is terrible! I liked the way you handled the situation so that your mother wouldn't be saddened. 
2 people like this
@theBlock (2657)
• United States
19 Aug 18
@1hopefulman
Yes, it is. Hopefully, a cure is near....
1 person likes this
@Shellyann36 (11384)
• United States
21 Aug 18
I watched my Granny struggle with this for years and I am afraid that my Mama is going to as well. I am glad you spared her feelings and told her you were a good friend. In actuality, you were a good friend that just happened to be her son as well. She is a beautiful woman. Is that a bit of Hawaiian heritage I am seeing?
1 person likes this
@Shellyann36 (11384)
• United States
31 Aug 18
@theBlock I guess instead of Hawaiian heritage I should have said Polynesian heritage. Sorry about that. 
You come from a very mysterious heritage from what I have read. Have you been to Tonga? How old was your mother when she got to the US? Have you ever thought about really diving into your ancestry? She is beautiful and made a great leap by being the first Tongan woman to become an American citizen. A great heritage you come from. She must have been very persistent to come to the US and start such a journey for herself and her family.
You come from a very mysterious heritage from what I have read. Have you been to Tonga? How old was your mother when she got to the US? Have you ever thought about really diving into your ancestry? She is beautiful and made a great leap by being the first Tongan woman to become an American citizen. A great heritage you come from. She must have been very persistent to come to the US and start such a journey for herself and her family.1 person likes this
@theBlock (2657)
• United States
31 Aug 18
@Shellyann36
I'm so sorry your loved ones had and are going through this----it's rough on all involved. I'm sure your mother is surrounded by "good friends," too. My mother is Tongan. Actually, she was the first Tongan woman to become an American citizen. She was very honored by that. Me, too....
1 person likes this
@theBlock (2657)
• United States
6 Sep 18
@Shellyann36
My mother came to the U.S. in the late 40's and married an American, Jack Roberts. She was 20-something. I have taken a small dip into my ancestry---on my father side. I think I posted it. I've never been to Tonga, but I'm going sometime next year.
@GardenGerty (160665)
• United States
4 Nov 18
I am so sorry, but you were wise not to make her feel badly. My dad had a few weeks recently where he 1. Did not recognize me. 2. Got me confused with my older half sister, who is not his daughter. 3. Kept calling his current wife my "mama", when she is not. Love her to bits but she is not my mama. Alzheimer's is rough.
1 person likes this
@theBlock (2657)
• United States
4 Nov 18
@GardenGerty
So sorry about your dad. Unfortunately, it's just gonna get worse---it's not his fault for anything he may say to make you feel bad. I wish you both much love and peace.
@hereandthere (45645)
• Philippines
19 Aug 18
what a great solution you thought of. how old is she now?
1 person likes this
@theBlock (2657)
• United States
19 Aug 18
@hereandthere
She passed away in 2011. But since it was her Birthday, I just wanted to share a memory of her.
1 person likes this
@acelawrites (19272)
• Philippines
20 Aug 18
It is so sad seeing a loved one, a mother, losing her memory. She needs more understanding; so good you know how to do it. Happy birthday to her!
1 person likes this
