I've been so fortunate to have all of my grandparents still living up until the last few years. A few years ago I lost my Dad's dad, Grandpa Challis. And then this week I lost my Grandma Helland.
Around a year ago Grandma was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. The condition wasn't too bad then, but Grandpa had to take over the daily chores of cooking and cleaning. Unlike most cases of the disease she progressed quite quickly. About 3 weeks ago mom called and told me that Grandma had suddenly took a big turn for the worse. She had been walking and still talking, then suddenly she just didn't wake up one day. The next day she did wake up, but could no longer walk. Her speech was also affected.
I'll be forever grateful to my sweet husband who agreed to drop everything here and drive 1750 miles (that takes about 32 hours with 3 small kids) to go and see her.
I was so fortunate to be able to spend grandma's last week with her. Living so far away it can be hard not seeing family much, but it was so comforting to me that I could've been there to help in those last few days.
Below is a picture from Thanksgiving, our last visit.
Farvel, Bestemor
Jeg Elske Deg!
Around a year ago Grandma was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. The condition wasn't too bad then, but Grandpa had to take over the daily chores of cooking and cleaning. Unlike most cases of the disease she progressed quite quickly. About 3 weeks ago mom called and told me that Grandma had suddenly took a big turn for the worse. She had been walking and still talking, then suddenly she just didn't wake up one day. The next day she did wake up, but could no longer walk. Her speech was also affected.
I'll be forever grateful to my sweet husband who agreed to drop everything here and drive 1750 miles (that takes about 32 hours with 3 small kids) to go and see her.
I was so fortunate to be able to spend grandma's last week with her. Living so far away it can be hard not seeing family much, but it was so comforting to me that I could've been there to help in those last few days.
Below is a picture from Thanksgiving, our last visit.
Farvel, Bestemor
Jeg Elske Deg!
