It’s no fun to get sick. It seems as if everyone around you is affected somehow, either spending time to take care of you- or staying away trying not to catch what ever you came down with. What if this sickness would never go away?
Alzheimer’s disease affects a person’s brain. It is a common form of dementia that cannot be cured, although there are several drugs that will help to slow down the symptoms. I’ve remembered seeing commercials on TV: “This medication will help to slow down Alzheimer’s! Alzheimer’s isn’t waiting, neither should you, act today!” To me those ads made no sense, so of course I didn’t pay much attention. It had not much relevance to me, until I started to see a difference of behavior in my Popo.
My room is my querencia, a place I can be myself. It was a little taste of freedom, the first step of independence- after moving out of a room that I shared with my younger brother. Because my family lives in Hawaii, it can become fairly hot and humid. We are the type of family who believes in using the “Hawaiian Air Conditioner” (also known as the local breeze). So, as I’m working in my room, usually my Popo will come in.
“Korie, close your windows. You don’t want other people looking in on you. Plus it’s breezy now. Close them up.”
“Alright Popo...”
Before this is how she used to do it, but more recently she’s been climbing on my bed to shut them herself. I don’t mind really, because I usually have a fan going in my room to keep me cool. Normally, a while after my Popo leaves, my dad comes in.
“How many times have I told you to keep your windows open? It’s hot in here, and windows were made to let the cool air in!”
“Uh huh. Yeah, okay sure dad. Thanks.”
My dad as well, has started to open the windows on his own. I haven’t minded this either. I just do my work, leaving them open and close the windows as they pleased. Although within the past six months, the back and forth of the windows have became more frequent. While in my room, I’ll get “visits” from Popo and dad every 15 minutes, having one person check what the other did last to my windows. Back and forth, back and forth, like a kid on a swing set. Dad has often speaks his mind to Popo constantly reminding her to leave the windows alone. This situation hasn’t been the only difference in behavior we’ve seen in her. Little things that add up, like putting away dirty dishes to various places in our kitchen. They are harmless actions, yet they cause us to spend more time retracing our steps to correct them.
Living with my Popo has really taught me a thing or two. I have realized that I am not the one only who has to put up with most of the behaviors of my Popo. Even more than I recognize, my parents are the ones to sternly remind her on what not to do. Only recently have I realized that my Goong Goong has to live and watch over Popo almost every second of the day. Having to live with Popo, as one of her grandchildren is inspirational to me. I know that it is a lot of work for Goong Goong to make sure Popo is safe, although he has not yet admitted that Popo has Alzheimer’s disease. I can relate to his frustration and impatience because I have felt the feeling before. I love living with my Popo and my Goong Goong, even if it means adjusting my lifestyle a little differently, to make my Goong Goong's job of taking care of us easier.
Notes:
Popo---- Grandma
Goong Goong---- Grandpa
