" Twenty Seven Days "

Alzheimer's/Dementia is a very sad disease. And it truly is a disease. I think there are still misconceptions about this when in actuality, it is a physical " Death " so to speak, of certain parts of the brain. There may be several causes including heredity and stroke that can cause portions of the brain to die. This leads to many, many different behaviors both physical and mental.

This being said, it is also very challenging for family members, care givers and most importantly, the loved one that suffers from Alzheimer's/Dementia themselves.

While I could get into the physical dynamics of this disease in more detail, I'm not here to write a medical journal entry about the disease at this time. I am by no means an expert in this subject but have researched, observed and cared for these very sweet, loving, scared, intelligent, active, combative, sad and depressed people.

Caring for the resident's with this disease has been such a challenge. During my C.N.A. clinical's, I took an immediate interest in this subject, surprisingly, to myself.  

I consider myself very fortunate to be caring for these residents. I love each and every one of them in their own way despite the sometimes and often difficult behaviors. 

I truly cannot explain what it's like to be in their world. All that I can say is that I am learning new strategies every day in dealing with this difficult disease. I have many stories to tell. I am working as a C.N.A. everyday with them and I feel blessed to be next to them even through the sometimes violent moments.

There but for the grace of God go I.

That's what I told my C.N.A. instructor our class should be called. And it's true. It could be me.

It could be you someday in that situation.

Although I am not satisfied with my current place of employment right now, I will continue to learn and give the best possible care that I am able to.

In the meantime, I have Twenty-Seven days until I Take my state exam. Once I pass that or if I pass that, I will have more doors that will open up for me and I hope that I will be able to serve the Alzheimer's/Dementia patient or resident at that time.

I haven't decided yet where my path will lead me to. Or should I say, where God's path will lead me to. But I can honestly say that if I leave this place, I will sorely miss these residents who have taken a hold of my heart.