Prayers/Smoke requested

HomeBru

HomeBru

Joined
Nov 9, 2006
Messages
1,072
Some of you may be familiar with my father, GL Drew a knifemaker who sells often on the fixed-blades forum. He introduced me to this community and though I have only been a part of it for less than a year, it has become a great group of folks for me and my father.

Today at work, I received a call from my mother that Gerry's 94-year-old father (my grandfather), Vern, had died. As near as they can figure he had decided to try his luck night fishing for catfish and had either fallen or had a medical episode (heart attack, vertigo, etc.) and ended up in the lake. My dad, Gerry found him this morning floating under the dock with a gash on his temple. The ME decided that they were not going to do an autopsy as there did not appear to be any "extenuating circumstances". It was obviously an accident.

The kicker (if there is such a thing) is that my grandmother suffers from extreme dementia and even though she was told about Vern, she does not remember why he is gone. Since Vern and Virginia live(d) with them, they are now trying to figure out how to handle the 24/7 care necessary for Virginia as well as how this is going to effect her mental and physical health.

It's been a tough day and the next few weeks are going to be a challenge for everyone. Your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated.

Thanks

J-
 
HomeBru,
I am very sorry for you and your family for your loss. I realize that this is a difficult time, made even more difficult by the illness of your grandmother.

You did not post the details about your grandmother's dementia. I can tell you that this is a very common problem with the elderly; more common than most folks realize.

Of course, by far the most common disease associated with dementia is Alzheimer's Disease. There are some resources available for people who are family members of AD patients. I strongly recommend that you begin by going to the web site of the Alzheimer's Association. It is chock full of useful infromation, including contacts for local chapters, patient resources, and just places where others share your travail. Try the following link:
http://www.alz.org/

You and yours will be in my thoughts.
 
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shaldag said:
Of course, by far the most common disease associated with dementia is Alzheimer's Disease. There are some resources available for people who are family members of AD patients. I strongly recommend that you begin by going to the web site of the Alzheimer's Association. It is chock full of useful infromation, including contacts for local chapters, patient resources, and just places where others share your travail. Try the following link:
http://www.alz.org/

You and yours will be in my thoughts.
Click to expand...

Thanks, Shaldag. She was diagnosed with AD about six years ago IRC but her diagnosis was backed off from AD to "common" dementia. Not sure why, but my mother is a Ph.D. in communication disorders and has done a lot of work with AD/dementia patients as well and she knows the details. Fortunately, they have had great doctors and my parents along for the ride to make sure that they receive nothing but the best. It'll be a hard ride for her!

J-
 
Condolences for your loss- prayers for peace & strength for your family and the challenges you are facing.
 
Prayers sent for your whole family.

You know this will be a tough time for you and your family. Keep us posted on how your grandmother is doing.
 
Thank you all for the prayers and thoughts! During her more lucid times, my grandmother is aware that she has lost her husband. She asks about arrangements and when they'll be going up to Minnesota to bury him. Unfortunately, those times are farther between. She will occasionally as where Vern is and my folks tell her simply that he was taken to the hospital. They have found a home-care nurse to come in and be with her a few times a week and are looking at assisted living facilities nearby for her. IT's going to be tough, regardless.

J-
 
Rough stuff, prayers sent,
G2
 
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