"My mother is 86 and in the middle to late stages of Alzheimer's. I've tried to adjust to each phase, but it never gets easier. First, there was the loss of a few words and her ability to write checks or do her bills. Then she couldn't remember names of friends, or how to dial a phone. Now she is wandering and forgetting where she lives, and she can't remember how to dress or bathe.
"Some days are better than others, but the other day she forgot my name and who I was to her. That really killed me. I feel like I've lost my mother before she has even died, and I feel guilty feeling that way. I love her and I want to take care of her, but it's so emotionally draining. I don't know what's going to happen tomorrow and if I can handle it.
"Her loss of functioning and memory is one thing, but it's the loss of relationship that hurts the most. I feel out of control and wish I could return to a normal life. But what bothers me most is, how do I prepare for my mother's death?" Next: Understanding Grief: Advice from an Expert >
