The beginning...

The beginning of a new chapter, and yet in a way this is most likely the ending chapter.  I decided to begin a blog on my parents, Chester and Claudene Young.  My Dad is 86 with a birthday in December, and Mother is 84 with a birthday in November.  They currently live in Dallas in the same house since 1961.  They have been married for over 69 years and are still in love with each other and hold hands while in the backseat of our car!!  But this year has brought changes, changes that are not good.  In March my Mother fell at I-Hop and suffered a head injury which left her confused.  Then in May she had a stroke which for a while left her unable to speak and walk.  She has eventually began to talk with slurred speech and can walk a very small distance.  The heartbreaking part is that she now has severe dementia, most likely Alzheimers.  (Her mother had Alzheimers for 20+ years).  At times she no longer recognizes my Dad and calls wanting us to contact her "1st husband, Chester"  and tell him to come home.  (There has only been one husband) Chester is sitting next to her by the phone.  At other times she claims there is another woman that has the same house as hers, with the same furniture, plants, pictures, etc.  When my oldest sister visited for a week, she ranted and raved asking why that woman was there saying she was her daughter.  It is so very sad for us all, but especially for my Dad when he can't convince her who he is.  In a way, they have both lost each other......Mother believes Dad has run off with another woman....and Dad can't convince her he is Chester.

So, it is very difficult for my Dad to care for Mother and he has finally accepted our offer of help.  They are moving to Lubbock, just 6 houses down from our house.  We have had a rough time obtaining financing for a new house though.  Even though they have a perfect credit score and own 2 other houses, their "liquid" assets weren't enough.  So I am a co-borrowing for the time being.  We are waiting for an appraisal on the "new" house and hopefully will be able to close within 2 weeks.  Then will be the most difficult task of all.  We must figure out a way to move them here with all their belongings.  They have accumulated a LOT of stuff in their 69 years.  Besides that we aren't telling Mother that she's actually moving, because she will fight us.  We don't want to do it that way, but it's the only way to get her here and get Dad the help he needs so desparately.  Dad has been under so much stress emotionally and has lost 20 lbs in the last 6 mos. 

So, I have started this blog to document this new beginning for them.  Only God knows how long they will have together.  I believe that God told me to step up and do everything I can to help their last years be better.  I want them to be around their family and enjoy birthdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, anniversaries and just ther every day simple joys of having someone around that cares.  I go into this with an open mind, because I know it is going to be difficult and at times I will want to scream, cry, cuss ....or all of the above.  I hope that other family members will step up and help regularly and for sure, when I need a break.  Only God knows the outcome, but I believe he will bless us during this time.  Prayers are welcome!