We wrote the following introduction when we started the blog a few years ago. Meredith’s mother Margaret died in June 2016. We are preparing a page to honor her.
This blog is written by Bob and Meredith Alcock. We live in San Diego and visit Meredith’s mother Margaret up in Los Angeles once or twice a month. Margaret suffers from vascular dementia which has diminished her capacities in several ways, but she still enjoys going out for the day with us. Our usual routine is to pick her up from the board and care home where she lives, go to lunch, visit a museum, then meet up with Meredith’s sister Kathleen for coffee, before taking Margaret back to her home. We are not sure what people make of the gray haired couple pushing the white haired woman in the wheelchair, but mostly we get positive vibes from people.
We sometimes joke that we have seen more museums in Los Angeles in the last four years than we have in San Diego in the last 30 years. We finally decided to blog about our visits, and occasionally about dealing with a family member’s dementia. It is our hope visitors find some useful information here.
In our more serious moments, we take inspiration from the ancient words of Ben Sira:
Those who honor their father atone for sins; they store up riches who respect their mother. My son, be steadfast in honoring your father; do not grieve him as long as he lives. Even if his mind fails, be considerate of him; do not revile him because you are in your prime. Kindness to a father will not be forgotten; it will serve as a sin offering—it will take lasting root. In time of trouble it will be recalled to your advantage, like warmth upon frost it will melt away your sins. Sirach 3:3-4, 12-15.