Being her ambassador. Isn't that what we are as a caregiver?

Thank you Sue La Porte for this post.  I would love to meet Gay some day.  

_________________________________________________________________________________________________
I wish you could meet my mom. Her name is Gay. And she is always smiling, blue eyes bright, and dimples to top it off. She is intelligent, and fiercley independent. She was a journalist and writer in her career, and she raised 4 children alone after our dad left. She has always been the eternal optimist, dreaming and seeing her dreams come true. I miss that part of mom, even arguing politics. But I also enjoy her just as she is, Alzheimers and all. In some ways, she is sweeter and more affectionate and loving than I remember her ever being. I feel like her ambassador, her advocate and her protector, and it's not a burden... it's a privilege. I like helping restore her dignity and value. I love the times we can sit and just listen to the birds sing, or appreciate a breeze together. She has the greatest belly laugh! I am so thankful that so far, she isn't anxious. If she gets mixed up, or afraid, I can be there to calm her. She is pleasant and does not seem to be aware how much her mind has changed. I grieve the pieces of her that slip away seemingly daily, but I cherish all the parts of her that remain. I respect and love her, and I think you would too. Thanks for letting me tell you about my mom.