All videos, amateur as they are, are for the benefit for anyone that would choose to know about Angelman Syndrome.
My videos are to document Alex's life!
Thursday, December 22, 2011
ALEX'S PERSONALITY WITH ANGELMAN
From the outside looking in, there appears to be only a lot of work caring for Alex. He has Angelman Syndrome. There are, however, many joys in seeing him reach new milestones as he get older. Years back, he was relentless in handflapping, which is common with Angleman persons. Now, his environment can be calming to him with soft music and a quiet surrounding, such as when we are listening to a discourse. I have made a video of his demeanor when alone with him. In contrast, you can see how reactive he is around a crowd of persons!
All videos, amateur as they are, are for the benefit for anyone that would choose to know about Angelman Syndrome.
All videos, amateur as they are, are for the benefit for anyone that would choose to know about Angelman Syndrome.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
MY ANGELMAN LIFE AS ALEX
My Angelman Life As Alex...that is the title of my latest video. It's basically ordinary things we do with Alex with emphasis on his new iPad. He loves it and we feel it can be a good communication tool! This is just the beginning of his new experience with his new iPad. I battled with the editing feature of Windows Moviemaker and wasn't pleased with the quality of the video. However, the finished product is as good as it could be when a program freezes and does not allow you to see a preview of the video! Oh well, I AM an amateur at videotaping! Take a look and see if you like it!
Sunday, November 13, 2011
EARLY ONSET OF ALZHEIMERS....A MENTAL ILLNESS ONGOING!
Let me be candid about events in our life that may be useful for many. It is about MENTAL ILLNESS. In particular early onset of Alzheimers! I will omit dates, location and names to protect the privacy of family members!
I come from a large family of eight including my parents and lived in a small town in northern California, USA. We were an inquisitive bunch who wanted to know about our grandparents. What child does not ask questions about family! We were no different!
I will begin with the illness of an uncle, my mother's brother. He began with difficulty in walking! Back problems, the doctors would say. He was 41 when this problem began. Many medical visits over a course of years that finally resulted in an Alzheimers diagnosis. My uncle's condition became progressively worse, even having personality changes such as aggression! His wife patiently cared for him as long as she could, then placed him in a convalescent hospital. She visited him every day. He died at 49 years of age. During the course of his illness, my sister investigated into the death of our grandfather who died in our hometown. His death was never discussed!
You see, there was a shame that beclouded any conversation about my grandfather. He died in a mental hospital in our hometown. Mother would never talk about it! But now, it was important! Grandfather had shown the same characteristics of this phantom illneness!
In the early days treatment of mental illness was rather crude! Lock them up and medicate them. Shock treatment was the quick fix! My mother would later tell us that he would say he was mistreated, but no one listened! Part of his illness? Who can say! His death certificate would reveal cerebral dementia, not exactly in those words but similar! He also died in his forties.
At forty years of age, a cousin began showing the same symptoms of Alzheimers. He progressively became ill with dementia and personality changes. It continued for years and was placed in a convalescent hospital! Again, his mother visited every day, taking his laundry home to wash and return the next day! Yes, she was wife to the uncle mentioned above and now was caring for her son.
He died in his late forties!
By now the family has accepted the fact that this is genetic! Through a search of our family history, we found that two additional cousins as well as an aunt, has died. All in their forties! Currently a cousin (not in this country) is showing the same Alzheimer symptoms as well as another here nearer to home! It is disturbing to us to have this menacing illness in our midst.
In 2005, we lost our elderly mother in death. She lived a long life with no symptoms of Alzheimers until one year before she died. The doctor's classified it as dementia. It was NOT an early onset of this illness. For that we are grateful! Her cognition would come and go. She never lost the ability to recognize her children. She did periodically forget what day it was and would cry uncontrollably. We feel she dodged the bullet! She was directly related to all persons mentioned in this story
Of course, it is of concern to us...this menacing illness. We realize the Alzheimers is not the only disease to fear. Other mental illnesses can invade the family...we have prepared ourselves! As a family, we trust that ALL diseases and sicknesses will be wiped out. Revelation 21:3,4. This is not a fantasy! It will happen! This hope sustains us while we cope with any death dealing diagnosis coming our way!
I come from a large family of eight including my parents and lived in a small town in northern California, USA. We were an inquisitive bunch who wanted to know about our grandparents. What child does not ask questions about family! We were no different!
I will begin with the illness of an uncle, my mother's brother. He began with difficulty in walking! Back problems, the doctors would say. He was 41 when this problem began. Many medical visits over a course of years that finally resulted in an Alzheimers diagnosis. My uncle's condition became progressively worse, even having personality changes such as aggression! His wife patiently cared for him as long as she could, then placed him in a convalescent hospital. She visited him every day. He died at 49 years of age. During the course of his illness, my sister investigated into the death of our grandfather who died in our hometown. His death was never discussed!
You see, there was a shame that beclouded any conversation about my grandfather. He died in a mental hospital in our hometown. Mother would never talk about it! But now, it was important! Grandfather had shown the same characteristics of this phantom illneness!
In the early days treatment of mental illness was rather crude! Lock them up and medicate them. Shock treatment was the quick fix! My mother would later tell us that he would say he was mistreated, but no one listened! Part of his illness? Who can say! His death certificate would reveal cerebral dementia, not exactly in those words but similar! He also died in his forties.
At forty years of age, a cousin began showing the same symptoms of Alzheimers. He progressively became ill with dementia and personality changes. It continued for years and was placed in a convalescent hospital! Again, his mother visited every day, taking his laundry home to wash and return the next day! Yes, she was wife to the uncle mentioned above and now was caring for her son.
He died in his late forties!
By now the family has accepted the fact that this is genetic! Through a search of our family history, we found that two additional cousins as well as an aunt, has died. All in their forties! Currently a cousin (not in this country) is showing the same Alzheimer symptoms as well as another here nearer to home! It is disturbing to us to have this menacing illness in our midst.
In 2005, we lost our elderly mother in death. She lived a long life with no symptoms of Alzheimers until one year before she died. The doctor's classified it as dementia. It was NOT an early onset of this illness. For that we are grateful! Her cognition would come and go. She never lost the ability to recognize her children. She did periodically forget what day it was and would cry uncontrollably. We feel she dodged the bullet! She was directly related to all persons mentioned in this story
Of course, it is of concern to us...this menacing illness. We realize the Alzheimers is not the only disease to fear. Other mental illnesses can invade the family...we have prepared ourselves! As a family, we trust that ALL diseases and sicknesses will be wiped out. Revelation 21:3,4. This is not a fantasy! It will happen! This hope sustains us while we cope with any death dealing diagnosis coming our way!
Saturday, November 12, 2011
I Knew What I Wanted And Waited! Married For 35 Years
Preparing for a lifelong marriage takes some planning and a great amount of consideration to the ideal mate. I do not use the word "perfect" because there is no such person. At least we could come close, thus the "ideal"
My first marriage was not a well thought move on my part. There was no planning. I was quite young...17 years old. What did I know and why do I need to consider my future! NOW is what matters, or at least that is what I thought. The marriage did not last and children were left to feel the affects of divorced parents. That marriage lasted 12 years.
So, when I was alone with four children, I begin to look to the future with more seriousness. For the first two years as a divorced woman, I was fully content with raising my children alone. After all, I thought, who would want me with a big family! I was content with my life!
After these two years, I began thinking of a mate to help me, share my goals, be my partner in this busy life I had started. The attention I received for the next three years from men was encouraging, but I made no marriage decisions.
I was determined to find a marriage mate that would be as devoted to our family arrangement as I was. Of course, he would need to have a job, be kind and find me irrestible! To find me attractive would be a plus. I would have to find him attractive as well!
I did find him when I was the least bit interested in looking for anyone. I was invited to a gathering, and there we met through a mutual friend. Who knew?
Below is my "ideal" and myself. Photo was taken about ten years ago!
We met in April.....married in August...after five years alone, and now have 35 years of marriage! We have two daughters and five grandchildren in addition to my "first batch".
I knew what I wanted in a man and waited until I found that person. My expectations were high but not out of reach!
We now serve Jehovah God together along with our family! It was well worth the wait!
My first marriage was not a well thought move on my part. There was no planning. I was quite young...17 years old. What did I know and why do I need to consider my future! NOW is what matters, or at least that is what I thought. The marriage did not last and children were left to feel the affects of divorced parents. That marriage lasted 12 years.
So, when I was alone with four children, I begin to look to the future with more seriousness. For the first two years as a divorced woman, I was fully content with raising my children alone. After all, I thought, who would want me with a big family! I was content with my life!
After these two years, I began thinking of a mate to help me, share my goals, be my partner in this busy life I had started. The attention I received for the next three years from men was encouraging, but I made no marriage decisions.
I was determined to find a marriage mate that would be as devoted to our family arrangement as I was. Of course, he would need to have a job, be kind and find me irrestible! To find me attractive would be a plus. I would have to find him attractive as well!
I did find him when I was the least bit interested in looking for anyone. I was invited to a gathering, and there we met through a mutual friend. Who knew?
Below is my "ideal" and myself. Photo was taken about ten years ago!
We met in April.....married in August...after five years alone, and now have 35 years of marriage! We have two daughters and five grandchildren in addition to my "first batch".
I knew what I wanted in a man and waited until I found that person. My expectations were high but not out of reach!
We now serve Jehovah God together along with our family! It was well worth the wait!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Cancer: Why Is It Important What I Say Or Don't Say!
Most of us have been touched by this terrible dreaded disease. CANCER! The name somehow carries with it a death sentence. Of course, the many cancer survivors are changing that! For the purpose of this blog, we will speak of those are terminally ill!
There are routine exams that will detect a potential problem long before it becomes serious. For men, prostate, lung and colon cancer are the most common. In women, breast, colon and lung are more prevalant. There are routine exams that will help deter a major illness.So it is important to be cooperate with our physicians when asked to participate in one of these tests! Now the lecture is over....getting back to our demeanor when we are with our sick loved one.
We have been personally touched by cancer by many of our family members. It is never easy. You read text on how we should make them feel comfortable. Is there any rule on how to do this? Certainly the sick individual and his personality is to considered. Focusing on his appearance before his illness helps to stay focused on him as an individual. Holding his hand and saying nothing, and crying is useful and can let him know how much you care.
Photographs of the person in his days of health can help focus on who he is as a person. Illness can change our appearance. Some prefer to have only immediate family visit them. Some patients prefer to have all his friends around him at this crucial point in his life. Certainly we would want to respect the wishes of our loved one and maintain his dignity.
Another matter to be considered is TREATMENT. Does the patient prefer to have treatment or not have treatment! If he chooses to forego treatment, are we ready to support him in that decision? This is more difficult as it requires a sincere demostration of love. It is the most common topic for discussion when the family rallies for the solution. Ultimately, the decision falls on the patient!
For the most part, our family have lost spiritual brothers and sisters, that is, those that are related to us in the faith. We have said goodbye to family members also. We have been able to share with them the hope of all sickness and death wiped out forever in the near future. Revelation 21:3,4. Of course this is their belief, so it is comforting for them to hear it from us. They realize that they will only be "asleep" for a short time before they are resurrected and restored to perfect health. Sickness and death will soon be things of the past! John 5:28,29. In general, all sickness will be gone. No more sadness and tears for losing those we love! Rather there will be tears of joy when we see our loved ones alive again!
How do we start to be a part of this joyous time? John 17:3 says the "this means everlasting life their taking in knowledge of you the only true God and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ"
There are seven million dedicated persons all over the world declaring this wonderful message for the benefit of all mankind! They are Jehovah's Witnesses.
There are routine exams that will detect a potential problem long before it becomes serious. For men, prostate, lung and colon cancer are the most common. In women, breast, colon and lung are more prevalant. There are routine exams that will help deter a major illness.So it is important to be cooperate with our physicians when asked to participate in one of these tests! Now the lecture is over....getting back to our demeanor when we are with our sick loved one.
We have been personally touched by cancer by many of our family members. It is never easy. You read text on how we should make them feel comfortable. Is there any rule on how to do this? Certainly the sick individual and his personality is to considered. Focusing on his appearance before his illness helps to stay focused on him as an individual. Holding his hand and saying nothing, and crying is useful and can let him know how much you care.
Photographs of the person in his days of health can help focus on who he is as a person. Illness can change our appearance. Some prefer to have only immediate family visit them. Some patients prefer to have all his friends around him at this crucial point in his life. Certainly we would want to respect the wishes of our loved one and maintain his dignity.
Another matter to be considered is TREATMENT. Does the patient prefer to have treatment or not have treatment! If he chooses to forego treatment, are we ready to support him in that decision? This is more difficult as it requires a sincere demostration of love. It is the most common topic for discussion when the family rallies for the solution. Ultimately, the decision falls on the patient!
For the most part, our family have lost spiritual brothers and sisters, that is, those that are related to us in the faith. We have said goodbye to family members also. We have been able to share with them the hope of all sickness and death wiped out forever in the near future. Revelation 21:3,4. Of course this is their belief, so it is comforting for them to hear it from us. They realize that they will only be "asleep" for a short time before they are resurrected and restored to perfect health. Sickness and death will soon be things of the past! John 5:28,29. In general, all sickness will be gone. No more sadness and tears for losing those we love! Rather there will be tears of joy when we see our loved ones alive again!
How do we start to be a part of this joyous time? John 17:3 says the "this means everlasting life their taking in knowledge of you the only true God and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ"
There are seven million dedicated persons all over the world declaring this wonderful message for the benefit of all mankind! They are Jehovah's Witnesses.
If We Live Forever, Where?
My last blog was reasoning on why we die and on living forever according to the bible. The first mention of death is in Genesis 2:17.
For the sake argument and differences in opinion, let us say we CAN live forever! Where do we live? This earth as we know it is polluted and ruination is what we see! It is full of crime, immorality and hatred. Who would want to live forever under these conditions?
The bible has the answers. Psalms 37:10,11 says "...the meek will possess the earth and find your exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.." Better conditions to be certain! How will this happen and when?
Please read Daniel 2:44. This is definitely Good News! Presently there are close to 7 million persons announcing this fine message for the benefit of all! Take a moment to listen to it!
For the sake argument and differences in opinion, let us say we CAN live forever! Where do we live? This earth as we know it is polluted and ruination is what we see! It is full of crime, immorality and hatred. Who would want to live forever under these conditions?
The bible has the answers. Psalms 37:10,11 says "...the meek will possess the earth and find your exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.." Better conditions to be certain! How will this happen and when?
Please read Daniel 2:44. This is definitely Good News! Presently there are close to 7 million persons announcing this fine message for the benefit of all! Take a moment to listen to it!
Monday, November 7, 2011
Is It Possible To Live Forever? Yes It Is!
The Bible book of Genesis speaks of seven men who lived more than 900 years, all of them being born prior to the Flood of Noah’s day. They were Adam, Seth, Enosh, Kenan, Jared, Methuselah, and Noah. (Genesis 5:5-27; 9:29) Many of these men may be unfamiliar to most people, but all of them were among the first ten generations in human history. Methuselah is well-known for having lived the longest—a record 969 years!
The search for the "fountain of youth" has been ongoing for so many years! Why are our bodies degenerating when scientists say the body is so well constructed so as to continue living! Professor of Medicine Tom Kirkwood once said that aging “remains one of the great mysteries of medical science.” The effort to find the key to stop the aging process continues to this day.
The Authority on the biological make-up of humans should certainly have the answer! After all, he created the first man. Please don't be quick to be sceptical about this comment! We are touching on a very important topic! Who does not want to continue living? To be true to ourselves, let's consider the word of the Highest Authority that knows us better than anyone else. He placed our cells in motion. He knows how they work and why they work. We give tremendous credit to scientists when they discover an intricate part of what makes us function, even in awe of that one! Certainly, we would want to consider the Grand Creator in this mix!
Consider:
To Jehovah God, aging is neither a mystery nor a problem without a solution. He created the first man, Adam, perfect and purposed that humans should live forever. Sadly, Adam decided to turn his back on God. As a result, he fell into sin and became imperfect. Herein lies the explanation scientists have been looking for: “Through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men because they had all sinned.” (Romans 5:12) It is because of sin and imperfection that we get sick, grow old, and die.
To believe this, we must know the person who inspired this to be written.."upon the basis of a hope of the everlasting life which God, who cannot lie, promised before times long lasting" Titus 1:2. Our Creator cannot lie!
The search for the "fountain of youth" has been ongoing for so many years! Why are our bodies degenerating when scientists say the body is so well constructed so as to continue living! Professor of Medicine Tom Kirkwood once said that aging “remains one of the great mysteries of medical science.” The effort to find the key to stop the aging process continues to this day.
The Authority on the biological make-up of humans should certainly have the answer! After all, he created the first man. Please don't be quick to be sceptical about this comment! We are touching on a very important topic! Who does not want to continue living? To be true to ourselves, let's consider the word of the Highest Authority that knows us better than anyone else. He placed our cells in motion. He knows how they work and why they work. We give tremendous credit to scientists when they discover an intricate part of what makes us function, even in awe of that one! Certainly, we would want to consider the Grand Creator in this mix!
Consider:
To Jehovah God, aging is neither a mystery nor a problem without a solution. He created the first man, Adam, perfect and purposed that humans should live forever. Sadly, Adam decided to turn his back on God. As a result, he fell into sin and became imperfect. Herein lies the explanation scientists have been looking for: “Through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men because they had all sinned.” (Romans 5:12) It is because of sin and imperfection that we get sick, grow old, and die.
To believe this, we must know the person who inspired this to be written.."upon the basis of a hope of the everlasting life which God, who cannot lie, promised before times long lasting" Titus 1:2. Our Creator cannot lie!
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