I see glimpses of my mom some days. I hear her singing songs she loves and watching baseball. So, once in a while, I forget the disease that ravages her from the inside.

At this point Mom looks like she is bored with the show so I grab her coloring book and pen and have her work on what will be another masterpiece to save and frame later.

I like to have her breakfast all ready to go before she’s up. Tea, and whatever else I’ve got that morning.

As soon as I get up, I head for the coffee. I have an enormous collection of coffee mugs and I choose my mug carefully to set the tone for the day.

I love to just engage my mom. Talk to her. Dance with her. She loves it!

I’ve learnt to be more compassionate and patient. Even though caregiving can be challenging, it’s also rewarding.

I’ve learned that there are so many things I have no control over but I always have control over how I react.

From a quick hand hold, to a kiss on the cheek, the love we’ve always shared is still there.

The hardest part of caregiving was watching my mother, the woman I know and love, slowly slip away. I never knew when another part of her would succumb to the cruel disease.

For me, it was being a cheerleader for my mother. Being able to hold her hand and let her know I was by her side through it all.

I am SO proud of the patience I have learned in dealing with her. We used to fight constantly because I was trying to ‘fix’ her and get my mom back