NillaSwirl

I have 2 daughters who are terminally ill with Huntington's Disease. This Blog records my feelings and how I handle different situations; hopefully, others may be able to benefit from my experiences.

BlogElites.com

My Photo
Name: NillaSwirl
Location: Cottonwood, Arizona, United States

Thursday, August 24, 2006

The Parting



It’s so strange how the same illness can affect both girls so differently. One has decided to accept her fate and take the medications prescribed to enhance her quality time she has left with her family ... the other is in total denial.

For some reason, the thought of an anti-psychotic drug has Datuh in a state of alarm. She says she’s not crazy and doesn’t need it. If she were thinking clearly, she would realize that Huntington’s does exactly that. It robs you of your mental abilities.

In this case, I would have hoped that my son in law would encourage her to take the needed medications however, he is also in denial.

Swan and Datuh have parted ... and I know deep in my heart that they will never again have the relationship they grew together with. My heart is breaking, seeing my family torn apart like this. My teenage granddaughter in despair; my grandson, lost in his X Box games to escape the reality of his now distraught family life.

Huntington’s has devastated my life for so long. I now watch in horror as it continues to take the rest of my family and make them strangers.

For those of us who have to stand by and watch ... and try to keep the children and husbands from falling apart ... we are tortured souls. We will try and help to strengthen each other.

My tears will continue to fall ... my heart will continue to break ... but I WILL keep going. I will survive my children and pray to the good Lord for the strength to help their families continue in life.

Sunday, August 20, 2006

My Visit



It was wonderful to embrace my family once again!

Datuh was more interactional this time. She went four wheeling. She karaoked. It was a good change to see.

Swan, J, PB, Boo and I went out to karaoke.

My grandones tired me out and I loved every bit of it!

Boo and I talked a lot. He is so supportive. I have never had this in a man. I would lay in his arms at the end of the day and we would recap the events. This weekend was wonderful...and I am anticipating the next...

Monday, August 14, 2006

Cottonwood



On the 17th, we will go to Cottonwood to spend the weekend with the girls. I’m
very excited as I have missed them terribly; especially since I didn’t spend much
time with Swan before I had to move.

I spoke with DaTuh, my (oldest) today and she seemed expectant.

I haven’t asked her about her sister. I want to see how things are for myself. I
am hopeful that everything is going well ...

Friday, August 04, 2006

The Phone Call




My daughter, DaTuh, called yesterday. I asked her if anything was wrong and
she no ... she just needed to hear my voice. She sounded despondent. How I
ache to hold her ... and tell her everything will be alright.

We talked for about an hour. As the time passed, she became more and more
relaxed. I could feel her tension release. I was glad.

My granddaughter and I spoke this morning. She said her mom told her we talked. Tudah said, “Gramma; I’m glad when you and mom talk. You can tell the difference in her. She’s happier.”

My heart was glad.

Next weekend, we will go to Cottonwood. I’m excited and prepared for it...