For those who have been following me for some time now, you know that by profession I am a registered nurse, and my specialty is working with individuals who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or one of the other forms of dementia. My career has led me down various paths since becoming a registered nurse. Though I have enjoyed all aspects of my career's journey, I have found my place in this area of need. Dementia in any form, can be a devastating disease process. It is painful to watch someone you love slowly progress through the various stages. As bad as the disease can be, I find that it is so important for us to find ways for these precious individuals to continue to experience quality of life. As caregivers, there is so much that we can do to promote and provide opportunities for them to expereince enjoyment and purpose. I find it hard sometimes to think of what I do, as a job, because I truly love what I do, and I love the residents I care for. I also admire the many staff who demonstrate daily, their compassion for the residents they care for. For me, and I know for them, it is a passion. My Grandmother suffered from Alzheiemr's disease. I wish I would have known then what I know now.
I think it takes a special gift to do what you do. It's such a blessing to have a passion for your work and I'm sure you are a blessing to the families of these individuals.
This photo is very touching.
I admire you for choosing to help those with what I would imagine to be a very difficult disease to handle.
I hope that god will give you the strength to handle what you witness in order to be able to help those in need.
The photo is gr8 Rick, however the thought and emotion in it is for me at least, unaddressable in words.
This means so much,wonderful thing you do. My grandma had it for 15yrs and each year was harder and harder for us to watch. My uncle now suffers from it..and watching what it takes away what it does is so hard. I couldn't imagine working day to day as it must be so hard to see. Great passion shot.
Great theme shot. You have that special something that makes you perfect for your job and I am sure everyone you work with notices and appreciates your passion and love for your career.
It is, indeed, a horrible disease. As you know my hubby's grandmother suffers from this. I can honestly say it is people like you whom we greatly appreciate. Thank you for all you do!
You are answering your calling! I can only hope and prey I can learn to have the patience to cope with this disease. Both run rampant in my husbands family. I fear for my husband and our children. So, I'm arming myself the best way I know how..knowledge.
I actually did not know you were a nurse. Good to know. I love the thought that went into this photo. My mother in law in just into the Alz. starting faze now. And you are right. It is very hard when you can't do anything but watch it happen.
This is a touching photo... I grew up watching my grandpa fade away. There were no Alz. facilities accepting new patients... he lived with our family for over 10 years - he was on a waiting list, but passed away before a position opened up. The things my parents went through... the terror and pain I saw on my grandpa's face when he was with us and felt himself slipping away again... Alzheimers is a terrible disease, and it takes amazing people like my parents and like you to care for these, like you said, precious people. I am proud of the work you do, and happy for the people you care for. Out of curiosity... do you ever do any animal therapy with the patients? I wonder how they would respond - my grandpa always looked peaceful when he was petting a kitty or scratching a dog's ears :)
Very true... and I believe your passion for this makes you one of the top in your field. :) Thank you for everything you do to care for your residents. :)
I actually started tearing up when I saw this picture and read your description for it... Alzheimer's hits close to home for me, as my Pop-Pop died from it back in 2003 and now my other Grandpa has recently been diagnosed with advanced Alzheimer's. I've been learning more and more about the disease because of the family members it has taken away from me; I'll be participating in my first Memory Walk this October as well.
Thank you for what you do. It means the world to me and so many others to know that there are people like you out there :)
We need more people like you to care for our patients. Kudos to you for having the passion to serve those in great need and the servant attitude to help. Thanks
That takes a special kind of servant. You seem exactly the kind, understanding, patience sort of person meant for that calling. It must be hard sometimes. God bless you.
Thanks for posting this Rick. My Dad is in the relatively early stages of dementia and it is a real struggle seeing him change and also seeing the effect on Mum, his primary carer. I might need your experience and insight.....
Wow! What a beautiful sentiment for a passion you get paid for. I am so impressed. Beautiful shot of the books. Keep up the good work. We need more dedicated nurses!
You are the unsung hero of this type of work too. The men in my family (on my mom's side) get Huntington's disease and I've watched it take them down one by one. My uncle decided he didn't want to deteriorate and committed suicide. It's just devastating. I hope you are told how much you are appreciated.
This is such a moving picture as the words disappear on the books, so does the person suffering from these diseases. My grandmother suffered from dimentia before the Lord called her home. It's the kind of disease that accentuates one's helplessness. You seem unable to do anything to stop it. But kind, caring and compassionate people like you are such a blessing to those who stand helplessly by. God has placed you in an amazing field of ministry and as I get to know you through your writing and photography, I see Him at work in you and through you. My prayer is that He will continue to give you strength, patience and joy while you walk through the valleys that your patients and their families travel upon. And may your family be blessed too, for sharing you with them.
Thanks for the book titles Rick, and let me update you on my mother. We have a locally renowned couple we've known for decades living with her now, and the family and a daysitter relieves them several days and nights each week. They are the BEST caregivers I've ever met, and my mother is as giddyly happy as a high school prom queen. Rob and Peg love her to a new level, and she has responded to them with happiness, laughter, hugs, more talk, a tiny bit better memory...and that's all in one week. Of course we both know that Alzhiemers can make her change in a minute, but it's so wonderful to see her be so happy, and so enveloped in the love and kindness of this couple.
Stunning black and white shot of those books. The people you care for are lucky to have such a wonderful person to help and guide them! You are totally passionate about your work, it shines through in your 365 project. Wonderful shot for the theme!
Thanks for sharing . I appreciate very much your serious and emotional words about your work and about the misfortune of some old aged people. Books and professional books in particular are my passion as well and I feel connected to your subject and to the titles of the books.
Great photo and wonderful compassion!!! :-) I believe everyone has or will know someone who has suffered with this disease. My huband's grandmother had this and a friend of mine's dad has it also. I sat and took care of him a number of times and he was just so precious. I've always loved the elderly and even more so when they suffer from something like this. I know your job brings you blessings everyday :-)
Your approach to your chosen path is inspiring and obviously makes such a difference, when this, one of the worst things to happen in life, happens to an individual and their family.
Rick- My sister in law (who was my college friend before introducing me to her big brother) has been diagnosed with Pick's Dementia. It has shaken the whole family. She is in a residential facility in Maine and her husband visits every day. I'm at a loss what to do from here in Virginia. Do you have any words of wisdom (or comfort) for us?
You seem to have a passion for everything you're involved with whether it's family, work, photography or writing...and it shows every day in your posts. I love the presentation of this image...very well done!
My Father In Law Died of Alzeihemers aged 63 in 2010 :( Awful disease and so sad to see them, It was lovely to read about Your dedication to Your work, You are a Star.
I'm grateful for people like you Rick. God gave you this wonderful gift and you use it well. Your other gift is to see the beauty around you and share it. Thank you.
I admire you for choosing to help those with what I would imagine to be a very difficult disease to handle.
I hope that god will give you the strength to handle what you witness in order to be able to help those in need.
The photo is gr8 Rick, however the thought and emotion in it is for me at least, unaddressable in words.
Thank you for what you do. It means the world to me and so many others to know that there are people like you out there :)