There is sadness in the Shannon household this week, as Jim’s father took a turn for the worse and passed away early on Friday morning. For those who don’t know, my father-in-law was diagnosed with lewy body disease several years ago. Similar to alzheimer’s but not the same, rather than affecting one’s memory LBD attacks one’s grasp on reality. Vivid hallucinations (in all five senses) and paranoia are the first symptoms. Someone with this disease will eventually end up with the worst Parkinson’s symptoms. We have been watching my father-in-law morph from the robust, intelligent, and loud man he was into someone who could no longer walk, could barely talk, and thought that everyone he met was a coworker because in his mind, he was still working. It was every bit as upsetting and uncomfortable as it sounds. The man who inhabited my father-in-law’s body at the end was not the man I knew him to be. It is horrible when one loses a parent no matter what the cause, but even Jim would say that it is relief of sorts that his suffering is an end.
Jim and I are in Houston for a funeral service with his mother and siblings. We will be flying back to Wisconsin to pick up the kids and driving to Pittsburgh for a service for the extended family and the burial. If my reviews seem off or if I go on radio silence, I know you will understand.
My deepest sympathy to you and all of Jim’s family. Having gone through my FIL’s passing from Alzheimer’s I can relate to the relief aspect. Sending you all comforting thoughts.
i’m sorry for the loss of your father-in-law, Michelle. My family’s been through Alzheimer’s–I’m not familiar with your FIL’s condition, but it does sound similar (and similarly distressing). Thinking of your family…
Thanks, Florinda.
Oh, Michelle – I just saw this today. I am so very sorry for your loss. I pray for comfort for Jim and for the rest of your family.
Thanks, Carrie.
Thinking of you all during this time. I just found out this morning that my own father passed away. I am stumbling around on blogs while at work trying to gather my thoughts. Our relationship was challenged from the start. I may be out the next few days but don’t know until arrangements are finalized.
Oh, Ti. I am so sorry. I have a challenging relationship with my father-in-law too, so I’ve been struggling since we heard the news. We are splitting up the services between two cities too, so it makes for an emotionally exhausting week for everyone. I’m keeping you in my thoughts.
My thoughts are with you and your family. Take care of yourself, and safe travels this week.
Thanks, Donna.
Michelle, I am so very sorry for your loss. My sympathies to your and your family right now. Safe travels this week.
Thanks, Brandie.
Michelle, so sorry to ready about the loss of your FIL. I had never heard about Lewy Body until my coworkers mother developed it and eventually passed away last year. So sad.
Take care
Thanks, Diane. It is actually a fairly common disease, but even doctors fail to diagnose it properly. Having seeing Alzheimer’s in action and now this, they are both horrible diseases.
So sorry Michelle. My sympathies to your family. Take a breather. My Hub lost his father in Dec 2014. It’s tough, but some of the memorial events are helpful (I hope to you all).
Thanks, Susan. It has been an emotionally draining week.
So very sorry for your loss. Take care and know that others are thinking of you and your family at this time. Losing a parent is very difficult, but I do understand when they are dealing with a disease that is so awful (lost my dad to Alzheimer’s). Again, take care and hears praying for peace for all of you.
Thank you, Kay.
My sincere condolences.
Thank you.
What a devastating disease, I didn’t know. I’m thinking of you and Jim. I lost my dad nearly two years ago, and he had suffered with both the rigidity of Parkinson’s and dementia. He was often frustrated by what he couldn’t do any longer.
Be safe, and take care of yourself.
Thanks, Anita. He’s in a much better spot.
You and your family are in my thoughts, Michelle. Take care. We’ll be here when you get back. (((Hugs)))
Thanks, Jennifer.
So so sorry to hear of your family’s loss, Michelle, but I know exactly what it’s like to be relieved that their suffering is over. Sending hugs your way.
Thanks, Andi.
We certainly will understand. Keeping you and Jim’s family in our prayers and thoughts.
Thanks, Bryan.
So sorry for your loss!
Thank you.