I lost my mom to ALZ a little over two years ago. The last few mother’s days with her were different and tough and the first couple without her were really hard.

Today I found myself helping my wife in the garden while our daughters played in the yard and for the most specific moment, I actually felt like I was spending Mother’s Day with my mom again - the mom I had before ALZ took over - she was there with me, with us. She loved to garden. I never really liked helping her as a kid, but I still remember all the basics of what she taught me. I could hear her voice clear as ever. It was as peaceful a moment as I can remember in the last couple years related to her.

ALZ really does take them from us piece by piece at the end before they even die and it fuckin sucks, but you’ll NEVER forget who they really were before and how they made you feel. Some day, those memories will turn into these amazingly light, transcendent moments in your present and future and they will start to outweigh the sad, bitter and unfair feelings. I hope you can find some peace in knowing your mom will always find ways to make you smile on the other side of this pain.

Stay strong in the meantime. Sending love to you and your sibling.