Nicole Houseman

September 16, 2019
Nicole Houseman

My Mom, Freda, was diagnosed in 2014 at the age of 64 with Alzheimer’s. Even though for a few years prior we knew something was wrong but just couldn’t put our fingers on it. My Mom has always been the foundation of our family, one of the strongest people I know. We relied on her for everything; now it is a complete role reversal. She doesn’t know who I am anymore, doesn’t even know she has children. Nevertheless every time I’m around her she never fails to tell me how beautiful I am. Patience and love is the greatest gift you can give an Alzheimer’s patient. Mom talks about feeling lost or confused quite often. I can’t imagine the bravery it takes to live with or be surrounded by people, who she thinks, are total strangers. Even as this disease takes pieces of her away slowly each day, she still remains to be the strongest person I know!

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