Wesley Harrison, Writer Orlando, Florida
I am Wesley, currently residing with my cousin Leticia and her mother Yolanda, who is afflicted with Alzheimer's. We live together in Ocoee, a suburb of Orlando, Florida.
Life with my 94-year-old Aunt Yolanda is challenging, as her memory fails her from one moment to the next—a harsh reality of this dreadful disease. She is the sister of my late mother, and I have pledged to assist my cousin—who is more like a sister to me—through this ordeal to the very end.
Managing this condition is tough for two people, let alone one, so we depend on each other, persevere, and grow closer through the struggle. Our solace during these hard times is found in laughter, and occasionally, a shot of tequila, to stay resilient in adversity and cope with the unique behaviors this disease elicits in my aunt. We often ponder what thoughts may be passing through her mind and how to address the new challenges and questions that arise daily.
Alzheimer's is portrayed variously in TV movies, shows, or personal anecdotes, but none can truly capture the reality of facing it personally, day in and day out, over the years. To support others in similar circumstances, I've decided to share some of the humorous incidents that stem from the trials of this cruel and incapacitating illness in a column - "Story of the Week!"
Do I Know You?
Story of the Week: Disassociation and the loss of memory within a family structure. Confusion of names within familial circles and the anxiety it can cause...
Story of the Week...
Apricots and Lemonade...
Hoarding napkins, drinking lemonade, and having it all come bite you in the apricot!
Story of the Week...
The Flirt
My aunt suffers from Alzheimer's and may find herself bored and unresponding, complaining about being cold, wanting to go home, etc., but enter the "handy man" to fix the broken down appliance, and we see the more exuberant side of her, what we call "the Flirt!"
Ninja at Night
How is it that a frail old woman, who needs assistance by day, to walk a short distance, can turn into a ninja by night, unafraid to cross the room by herself, and in record time? This may be the dementia messing with her brain and turning off that consciousness that makes her afraid...