Dustin I
I still can't believe she's gone, taking care of mom for the past 5 years has been the hardest thing I've ever done. I could not have survived without Judith by my side, taking up the task when I could no longer. The hardest was restricting her, she loved her freedom, 4 gallons of chocolate milk per day, driving around aimlessly, shopping, and just being independent. I remember like yesterday, her Dr's office calling me to let me know she was wandering around in the parking lot, and I needed to come get her, when I was in OKC working DOD. Thank God for friends Yolanda and Ken that I could call for help any time of day. I had battles like her backing into people at Reasor's, or running people off the road, while neighbors telling her she should be able drive and that I had no right telling her not too. Then I'd have to fight with her for weeks to get her back to being ok with the new ways things had to become. The list goes on and on and the things they say about dementia being the slow death, it's absolutely true. Helping her through this stretched me in ways I didn't know existed. like trying to take it all on and not putting too much of it on my boys, which they were awesome, but it's a load too heavy for them. they had enough to deal with just making sure I didn't go off the deep end some nights. My mom was truly awesome, and it's a real shame I didn't really see it till these past 5 years. You can tell a tree by its fruits, and Donna's tree although not perfect, produced a son strong enough to handle the toughest task in the end. I am a reflection of both her and Dad, humble, steadfast, and honoring God every chance i get. Mom, I hope to see you again someday and I'm sorry for not being a better son. love you.
