Most people are going through life not even thinking about all this stuff until they have to. That's one of the 'perks' of having someone with AD (or any terminal illness) in the family, you get the fragility of life pushed into your face.
As Kriss says: "The only positive that I have ever been able to link to this awful disease is that we are given the time to consider these questions rather than having to deal with them at with no notice in the midst of the anguish of sudden loss."
I've been to a couple of funerals, of distant relations, but never a close family member, and I can understand your reluctance and fears, Jane. It'd be no good to say 'try not to dwell on it', I guess, but when it happens, we will find the strength to be there, from somewhere. You seem to be discussing them now, anyway, despite your phobia.
I had a dream, the other night, where my Dad was as he used to be before AD, and he was playing with my (2 years since she died) Miniature Schnauzer dog, Rosie. I initially woke from the dream feeling sad that my Dad isn't like that any more and that my dog has gone, but it also made me realise that both my dog and my Dad, as he was, live on in my memories. It's as if we're all grieving for their loss already, before they've gone, and I'm not saying that will make it any easier at the time, but..... I'm not sure if all this makes sense.
Best wishes,
As Kriss says: "The only positive that I have ever been able to link to this awful disease is that we are given the time to consider these questions rather than having to deal with them at with no notice in the midst of the anguish of sudden loss."
I've been to a couple of funerals, of distant relations, but never a close family member, and I can understand your reluctance and fears, Jane. It'd be no good to say 'try not to dwell on it', I guess, but when it happens, we will find the strength to be there, from somewhere. You seem to be discussing them now, anyway, despite your phobia.
I had a dream, the other night, where my Dad was as he used to be before AD, and he was playing with my (2 years since she died) Miniature Schnauzer dog, Rosie. I initially woke from the dream feeling sad that my Dad isn't like that any more and that my dog has gone, but it also made me realise that both my dog and my Dad, as he was, live on in my memories. It's as if we're all grieving for their loss already, before they've gone, and I'm not saying that will make it any easier at the time, but..... I'm not sure if all this makes sense.
Best wishes,