In approximately sixteen days, I will be leaving to go visit New Mexico. My Grandmother was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease and recently moved from her home in Midland, Texas to a nursing home in Rio Rancho, NM. My little brother Jimmy is the Administrator of the facility which is fantastic because he can keep a close eye on her.
I never imagined how difficult it was going to be watching your loved ones grow old, get sick, and eventually die. I know in my heart and brain that this is the circle of life. The way it’s supposed to be. That knowledge doesn’t make it any easier to watch someone you love suffer. It’s going to be very hard to visit my grandmother and see that she can no longer talk, cannot open up her hands or get around without her walker.
I spent several summers with my grandparents. I worked out to Richard Simmons “Sweaty to the Oldies” with Nana, went camping in Pagosa Springs, CO , climbed around Mesa Verde, baked thousands of cookies, learned how to write a check, and numerous other things that escape me right now. I won’t say that my Nana is the nicest woman in the world. But she was well educated and always gave her opinion whether it was asked for or not. She raised four children, owned a business, obtained a Masters Degree, and taught special needs children. She is an amazing woman.
When I started writing this post, the focus was going to be how I hated leaving Andy at home while I went to visit my family. His schooling always comes first. No matter how much he wants to go with me. Or vice versa. But I’ve found that in writing, sometimes it’s best to let a piece goes where it wants to no matter how painful.
More on New Mexico in the coming weeks!
