Thursday 5 April 2012

F is for Fear


When looking at my family health history I find myself considering my health own and mortality .  Both grandmas had dementia but died of unrelated conditions, My father died from a muscle wasting disease at 63, mum has dementia, there is high blood pressure, diabetes and cancer in other family members.  The older you get there are more muscles that you realise you had - because they all ache!

I understand it doesn’t necessarily mean that I will be beset with ill health, but I do wonder why after 40 years I suddently am intolerant to wheat and dairy.  We can begin to walk around in fear as we wait for something to happen to us.  Fear is such a negative emotion and instead I try and focus on the things that I can do and the impact that I can make today!

I am inspired by those who live independent to a ripe old age, check out Alice Herz Sommer   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTwnlW5lscg  She is 108 years old and has maintained all her faculties, plays the piano and has a good outlook on life.

Even with dementia I have faith that with the right support mum has a good standard of health and well being, and for myself I will make every effort to take the necessary breaks and look after my own health.  We cannot fear what we don’t know or what hasn’t happened.  Life brings so many opportunities and I guess I have the opportunity to spend quality time with mum and cherish these times.



Words so far....

A is for Alzheimer’s, B is for Behaviour, C is for Carer, D is for Dependant, E is for Enough

These posts are part of the A-Z Challenge taking place during the month of April.  I have been sharing about my experience as a carer to a mother with Dementia.  If you would like to know more join the Arts in Health Network and also check out my website for information on some of the work I have done with Creativity and Dementia.

8 comments :

  1. Amanda,
    I am SO glad I found your blog. What a beautiful mother and a beautiful heart that you have to honor her the way you do. The subject of Alzheimer's is close because my grandfather had it, and passed away from the complications due to the disease. For years, I truly feared I would get it. Praise to God, I no longer fear, but I know it is a real possibility. Your blog is a comfort to me, and I thank you for sharing. Have you ever read 'Still Alice'? Of course you live that story, but it is of a woman telling her own story of early onset Alzheimer's.

    Blessings. You have a new follower. I planned to write about my struggle with the fear of alzheimers and will link back to your post.

    Come by when you can -
    www.hammockinthehoneysuckle.blogspot.com
    Carrie

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  2. Carrie, lovely to meet you, it is amazing how engulfing fear can be. It's a blessing to share my story as so many don't get the chance to. I am looking forward to reading your post and checking out your blog.

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  3. Thanks for sharing your heart, Amanda...God is bigger than our fears! Hope you are enjoying the blogging challenge...

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  4. My grandmother had Alzheimer's. One never knows what life may throw it but we can't certainly make it our aim to enjoy all the precious moments of life we have.

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  5. I'm trying really hard to remind myself not to fear the inevitable or something that I can't change. But the things that can be changed, I can fear, because it spurs me into doing something to avert those events.

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  6. What a great post today! Thanks so much for sharing this!!

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  7. Sounds like you definitely have to take the best care of yourself that you can and appreciate every day! My mother in law lost many relatives (parents and siblings) at age 69, so that entire year of her life was lived in terror. I think her 70th birthday was the best of her life, because she could live without the fear if dying again.

    Sometimes as much as we want to reason past the fear, it works to take hold. I think the way you are looking to others for inspiration is wonderful!

    Alana @ writercize.blogspot.com

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  8. Jarm thanks for your visit, the challenge is definitely a great way for sharing.

    Wanda, I totally agree, there are so many precious moments that come along.

    Misha, we constantly need to question what it is that we fear and look at it objectively.

    Ophelia, many thanks, looking forward to reading your posts.

    Alana, loosing loved ones really does give you a different perspective on your own life. I am glad your mother-in-law was able to enjoy her 70th!

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