Monday, November 14, 2016

Life's Next Journey



Over the last several months, I have had the privilege of having our wonderful Aunt Teresa live with us. She is 94 and has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. When we started this journey, I knew I had the time to be with her because Judy Engel, Ken Engel, and Kerri Rogers all work and I had the time. Her mental deterioration has gotten progressively worse and she could not be left alone anymore. After everyone went back to school in August, I found three wonderful young people who came in daily to give me a few hours away. In addition, Cameron Rogers has been so incredible with her and has helped tremendously. I waited to post this until I had talked to each of these three wonderful young people today who have helped me over the past few months.

On Friday, Hospice of the Valley accepted Teresa. The last few days have been a whirlwind of emotions and getting things set up. In addition, we have caregivers coming in each day who have medical training to help me with the her daily care which has become increasingly more involved. We have a family Facebook page and I posted on it yesterday to let our family know first. We have an incredible extended family who love her dearly. She is the last of the original Douglas Scott Family left. I just want my dear friends from both Gilbert and Douglas to know this and her dear friends through the years. She has been a blessing to so many of us through her kindness and her deep love of family and friends and her devotion to all of us. 

I have learned much from her and I cherish the time I spent with her in Douglas and now. Please keep all of us in your thoughts and prayers as we navigate this stage of life. And although she may not know you, she still loves to see people. Thank you Ruth Holland, Kecia Sweeney, and Lorie Oros for your wonderful young people who have helped me navigate the last few months. Thank you Maggie Jetty for being here so much and my wonderful Phoenix cousins, Cecilia Henderson, Patricia Scott Rush, Margaret Gabaldon, and Scotti Steingrebe (in Turlock) for your absolute support!! Teresa has lead an incredible life for 94 years and has given so much to so many of us. 

But I know however long this part of the journey continues, we will do our absolute best to make it as comfortable and loving as possible.

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