Ms. Lula's Journey with Alzheimers

07/11/2025

19/08/2022

Although we’ve been quiet for some time, Ms. Lula is doing well…aging beautifully and gracefully.

Her oldest son and my oldest brother is on hospice in a beautiful hospice home in Greenville NC. He’s 67 yrs old. He is resting peacefully and, as common at end of life, not eating or drinking at this time. The nurse said a couple of nights ago that his heart rate is slowing. He is probably days away from taking his final breathe. Although difficult for loved ones, it’s a part of the life cycle.

He was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia approximately 5 years ago. It progressed at a fairly rapid pace (particularly this last year) but is a different form of dementia than the dementia Ms. Lula has, which is Alzheimer’s dementia. It is often associated with Parkinson’s disease. Here is a link for more information https://www.verywellhealth.com/lewy-body-dementia-stages-progression-98735

HIs wife appears to be in a better place now that he’s resting peacefully in a quiet atmosphere which specializes in dying patients. The rooms here are free of all the bells and whistles that are found in a hospital room. The staff has been wonderful to both my brother, sis in law, and myself.

Hearing is the last thing to go so I called our mother, Ms Lula, a couple of days ago. He was able to hear her voice one last time. We immediately noticed his facial gestures acknowledging her voice (a boy always knows and longs for the voice of his mother). It was a great gift for all of us.

Well that’s all for now. Please continue to keep our family in your thoughts and prayers.

29/06/2021

Ms. Lula’s youngest (and cutest…lol) child and caretaker turns 50!

Yesterday I turned 50 years old. I had an amazing day with family and friends as we celebrated the occasion with an Open House for Veteran Family Home (https://veteranfamilyhome.com/). This is an independent living home for Veterans or their family members in need of housing in a family style environment. We officially open on July 2nd and already have multiple requests. This is the first of many homes.

Thank you to everyone who made this day better than great. Above is a sneak peak of pics from the day. I’m collecting pics from friends as well as my photographer and will post to the website above.

Ms. Lula stayed in her new room and hospital bed this day as family/friends came to give her some love.

Thank you again for making the day great. Here’s to many more years full of life, love, laughter, faith, food, and fun!

26/06/2021

We Finally Received the Bed and Hoyer Lift!!!!

They arrived a couple of days ago and have been so helpful. Ms. Lula slept so comfortable yesterday and it’s totally wonderful for us, the caregivers.

Ms. Lula’s been talking and laughing like never before. She so comfortable when resting, that sometimes we just enjoy watching her sleep.

Thank you for your thoughts, love, support and well wishes.

22/06/2021

Sooooo Frustrating!!!! Warning…Long but Important Post

My mother, Ms. Lula, is almost completely bedridden. She no longer walks, transfers independently, and is completely incontinent. She cannot articulate her needs at all. We have to know by putting her on a schedule to ensure she’s clean, dry, and free of infections or bed soars.

For the past month, I’ve been attempting to get a hospital bed and Hoyer lift to relieve some tension off our bodies. This is where the frustration comes in. The DME company that we’ve been going through (Super Health) is not very responsive, has extensive hold times when you call, and some of the agents are completely rude.

There have been days I’ve called, waited for 45 minutes, requested a callback, they call, put me on hold then the call hangs up. I feel like those folks who were trying to get through to the EDD office for their unemployment checks.

I finally got through today. A rep name Jennifer (who was kind by the way) informed me that although my doctor provided great documentation notes quantifying the need for these items, it was not enough 😩 check out the link in bio to read more…

26/05/2021

Late post ⚠️Congratulations to the new Miss Universe, Miss Mexico!

As a young girl, Ms. Lula and I would watch Miss America and Miss Universe pageants every year. This past Sunday night I watched the pageant with one of our caregivers, Margarita.

Ms. Lula sleeps a lot more these days so she was already asleep. Oh how I miss those special mommy/daughter times. Well...we still have them these days, they just look different but oh how I cherish every moment.

25/05/2021

Ms. Lula and Jimmy holding hand as the wife looks on.

We are blessed to have a husband wife care team who comes every Sunday. Ms. Lula brightens up when she sees the husband. She calls him “Jimmy”, (his real name is Godfrey) and talks and laugh with him for hours when they arrive.

14/05/2021

Tribute to Mr and Mrs Lawrence Vaughn for their faithful service to Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church and the Sumter SC community.

The second pic is a glamor shot (taken many years ago) of Ms. Lula and her hubby of over 56 years (my daddy). He passed away peacefully in 2012. To know him is to love him!

14/05/2021

Ms. Lula’s Back!

Life has been busy for Ms. Lula and her caretaker. We recently completed a documentary on her journey which has taken quite a bit of energy.

She was also honored by her church in SC, Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, for her many years of service to her community.

We also have a guess staying with us for awhile. More to come on that later. We just wanted to reconnect.

We’ve miss everyone and hope you all had a great Mother’s Day!

22/02/2021

Ms. Lula’s New Ramp!! 🤩

17/02/2021

When Ms. Lula first came to SD she was able to help with chores from time to time and even asked to help.

The pictures were taken in 2017. Today she often talks about how she has to go to “work” or go to “school” but is no longer able to help around the house.

Her caretaker sure misses those days. Lol