Fearless Females: March 13

The Accidental Genealogist is running her annual “Fearless Females” month of March. I’m so happy to be joining in, although admittedly a little late. I will attempt to catch up before the end of the month. If you want to see her blog and prompts you can look here: http://www.theaccidentalgenealogist.com/2015/02/back-for-sixth-year-fearless-females.html

The prompt for March 13:

“Moment of Strength: share a story where a female ancestor showed courage or strength in a difficult situation.”

In July 2008 my grandmother passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. My family was devastated because she was so vibrant and healthy, she would have enjoyed many more years of joy. Within a few months my grandfather began exhibiting signs of advanced Alzheimer and dementia. No child should have to go through this with their parents but my mother devoted countless hours to his care. She was determined to keep him in his own home as long as possible, although it became increasingly difficult. When it was no longer feasible for her to provide the round-the-clock care he needed, she brought in aides to be with him 24 hours a day. Even then she continued to spent 6-8 hours a day with him and caring for his home and other needs.

After several years of this, and with much encouragement from her family, she agreed to look into nursing homes. This became a battle of its own and even then she spent several hours a day visiting. Throughout all of this she continued to deal with legal and financial issues surrounding my grandmother’s death and my grandfather’s declining health. I am so amazed by my mother’s devotion to her father and his health. She has never given up on him or neglected him even though it has been very hard. She has had more strength than most people would have in her situation.