Loretta is a contractor for the Department of Homeland Security and a motivational speaker for caregivers.
“Im not going to let her sit there and waste away.”
Theres not one thing wrong with my mother but thedementia.
Shes totally healthy; she doesnt even have arthritis.
She doesnt know who I am, but she knows that she knows me from somewhere.
She always tells me Im a very nice person and shes happy to see me.
I bought her a stuffed dog, and she thinks its real.
Shell hold him and say, Hes not going to pee on me, is he?
And Ill say, No.
I just took him out.
I do whatever I can to keep herbusy and engaged.
Ill pick her up in the car and take her on walks and hikes.
Every day is different, but we always find something that will appeal to her.
We do activities likecoloring, puzzles, listening to music or building with Lego.
When I get the Lego out, her eyes get big, and she goes crazy.
It holds her attention for a long time.
I like seeing her doing stuff, using her hands and her mind.
I take lots of pictures because she doesnt remember what we did.
We enjoy looking at them together.
My mom was a single mother.
She exposed us to everything.
I appreciated it then; now Im giving back to her.
Seeing her laugh and smile and enjoying herself thats all that really matters.
It makes me feel close to her again.
I would do anything for that smile.
As told to Stacey Colino
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