I joined Talking Point way back in 2011 I think. For me it was a real life saver, my mum had begun her awful journey and I didn’t know which way to turn, she and my dad lived with us and he was also in poor health.
My dearest mum passed away early this morning having been in her care home for just over nine years, having been formally diagnosed in 2009. She was 91. I am desperately sad that she has gone, but was able to sit with her yesterday afternoon. She was asleep the whole time, but did manage to open her eyes and squeeze my hand, I was able to tell her everything that I needed to and let her know that it was ok to finally go home. I was so glad that the care home had called to warn me and give me that opportunity to get to mum, as I live several hours away. I hadn’t seen her since November when we could last visit, but Whatsapped her almost every week, when she would shut her eyes, she just didn’t know it was me in the little screen, but at least I could see her!
When I got to her room, it was so welcoming, with her photos and cuddly toys, silk plants and all the things we’d put there over the years for her. Since COVID I’d been sending Touchnote photo cards telling her what we were doing and these were stuck on her wardrobe so she could see them from her bed and all round the shelves. I was so touched by how kind the staff were, she’d been there so long that they felt like family, so lovely to her and to me. It’s a good place, and we all know how dedicated the carers are and what they have to do, thank goodness for people like them. I’ve had emails of condolence from them and a past manager today, they miss mum and were sharing stories about her with laughs and tears.
So, my mums journey is at an end at last. I’m desperately sad, but this hateful disease has gradually taken her from me piece by piece, my best friend became someone who looked anxious the whole time, couldn’t speak, walk or do a single thing for herself, so I also feel glad that she is free and has been able to ‘go home’ after so many years.
The only benefit has been meeting real friends through Talking Point, five of us talk via a WhatsApp group every single day, and I am the last of us to lose their beloved mum; three of us have done so in the last few months. Talking Point is truly a lifeline, there is never a silly question, and you are never judged for what you say, and I thank every one who has ever replied to one of my questions or rants with understanding and kindness.
My dearest mum passed away early this morning having been in her care home for just over nine years, having been formally diagnosed in 2009. She was 91. I am desperately sad that she has gone, but was able to sit with her yesterday afternoon. She was asleep the whole time, but did manage to open her eyes and squeeze my hand, I was able to tell her everything that I needed to and let her know that it was ok to finally go home. I was so glad that the care home had called to warn me and give me that opportunity to get to mum, as I live several hours away. I hadn’t seen her since November when we could last visit, but Whatsapped her almost every week, when she would shut her eyes, she just didn’t know it was me in the little screen, but at least I could see her!
When I got to her room, it was so welcoming, with her photos and cuddly toys, silk plants and all the things we’d put there over the years for her. Since COVID I’d been sending Touchnote photo cards telling her what we were doing and these were stuck on her wardrobe so she could see them from her bed and all round the shelves. I was so touched by how kind the staff were, she’d been there so long that they felt like family, so lovely to her and to me. It’s a good place, and we all know how dedicated the carers are and what they have to do, thank goodness for people like them. I’ve had emails of condolence from them and a past manager today, they miss mum and were sharing stories about her with laughs and tears.
So, my mums journey is at an end at last. I’m desperately sad, but this hateful disease has gradually taken her from me piece by piece, my best friend became someone who looked anxious the whole time, couldn’t speak, walk or do a single thing for herself, so I also feel glad that she is free and has been able to ‘go home’ after so many years.
The only benefit has been meeting real friends through Talking Point, five of us talk via a WhatsApp group every single day, and I am the last of us to lose their beloved mum; three of us have done so in the last few months. Talking Point is truly a lifeline, there is never a silly question, and you are never judged for what you say, and I thank every one who has ever replied to one of my questions or rants with understanding and kindness.
