Grateful for this Chinese New Year that has passed by so quickly. I was reflecting about the January that has just passed back and how thankful I am for the people I am able to spend time with.
In my earlier blog, I had mentioned on expanding the social world of my mother. Isolation is a risk factor for dementia. As a caregiver, I am also prone to dementia if I just isolate myself in the caregiving work without any plans to continue to build my friendships and family relationships. I pondered that if I plough myself into the caregiving work 24/7, I may wake up one day especially when the caregiving season is over, that I may end up with nothing to look forward to as I had not taken time to invest in other lives around me.
With this realisation, I sat down and made plans. One of the milestone was making pineapple tarts with my mother in law, daughters in Dec 2022.Then we gave them away to my family in Singapore. We are delighted that they enjoyed the crumbly and butter rich crust.
During the first day of Chinese New Year, my two daughters and I went to my auntie's house to learn how to play mahjong. Earlier last year, when all my aunties retired from work, they had gathered together in my auntie's place once a week to play mahjong. They too wanted to keep themselves active and cognitively stimulated so as to avoid getting Alzheimer's. This activity during Chinese New Year was fun for us and is the first time we had a game that bonds us together since we returned to Singapore five years ago.
I was really surprised and delighted that two of my friends were willing to visit my place even when given short notice and certainly, the visits brought joy to our hearts as we eat the Chinese New Year goodies and chatted. During the visit, they also engaged my mother in their conversations and in this way, she had met them without going out of the house. The world was brought to her doorstep.
The Day care centre staff also brought Luo Han Guo herbs for me to cook for my mother after hearing that she was unwell. Her thoughtfulness and also her effort of rushing over to our place during her lunch time is remarkable. I am just grateful for such "angel" that God has sent to befriend my mother.
Though I was sadden that one of my friend had to leave her job to accompany her dad to do more intensive rehabilitation at home, when I heard her share her caregiving story. I was really encouraged by her faith and that her father had survived that serious road traffic accident.
She also lifted my spirit as I witnessed how she would prioritise her family over her work and how she would like to spend the last few years with her dad and even be in the process of helping him achieve his dream of being able to dance again. Such noble aspirations. I would like to emulate.
Even as I journey through this caregiving road, I am not alone. Many have gone before me. Some are journeying with me.
At this juncture, I would like to thank those who have walked alongside with me. Yes. I will be brave on this and continue to enjoy this time with my mother, my family.
Pie Tee : A delicacy that was served to our family and friends during Chinese New Year
Let us be thriving Caregivers.
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