Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) finally won the battle with Jim Calvin, ravishing my beloved’s body of all its functionality Christmas morning. It was by far, the most difficult part of our journey to witness, “Complications due to Dementia” was written on his death certificate. Jim is at peace now and his memory resides in the hearts of those who knew and many who loved him.
I was completely and whole-heartedly present for Jim every day. When I climbed into the hospital bed and lay beside him with my arms across his chest or holding his hand, matching my breath to his, he felt like he always felt. Breathing was the only thing we could do together in the final weeks and days.
Jim was kept comfortable and happy in our home, and we were blessed to have both Billy and/or July as Home Health Aides because they were devoted to making sure Jim had the best possible care and quality of life during his tragic battle with AD.
The guys worked well with the Veterans Administration’s Home Healthcare team who visited once per month. The VA Palliative Care Team was instrumental in telling us when to bring Hospice in for a 2nd time. The 1st time was when he stopped being able to stand in January 2021 and became bedridden requiring 24/7 care.
United Hospice of Rockland's Team Members were like angels every step of the way. They also provided me with Bereavement Counseling as did the Alzheimer’s Association.
I couldn't have handled this journey if it weren't for my Alzheimer's Support Group’s/classes/community building programs (ALZ Well Social Club), plus friends, family and various groups I belong to in-person and on Zoom.
The Alzheimer’s Association(AA) educated me and provided all the programming to enable me to take care of my sweetheart during his entire journey. We enjoyed being part of a community with other people who were going through the same journey, although every situation was different and unique. It is for this reason that I am “Paying it Forward” to support those caregivers who come after me.
Practicing mindfulness inspired me to name my team “To Enjoy Every Moment (TEEM)” in 2019. Jim was my unique and beautiful flower in the garden of our compassionate AA community comprised of wonderful people who became friends because of our similar path.
Please join Team TEEM to help us fight this devastating disease. The money we raise is used to fund research, education, programming and support groups. Progress is being made!
We will be doing our last walk in Nyack this year because the COVID numbers have been rising recently, plus we have a ritual we do each year.
All our walkers get to know each other through our sharing about who and why we are walking. It’s wonderful to share these heartfelt moments and memories with each other.
We also give purple balloons to small children as we walk from our backyard, through Nyack to Memorial Park. The children get so excited at being given a bright purple balloon, and their parents really appreciate it, too!
Thank you for your support, donations and for joining us in the fight against Alzheimer's Disease!
Jan
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