Tonight I lost my grandfather.
During the last years my grandfather has struggled with the horrible Alzheimer disease. The disease does not just capture the victim in his or her body, but it also makes the next to kin watch a close one transform into someone unknown. In the case of my grandfather he was unable to express himself, he couldn’t find the words. The thing that makes it so sad is that he was fully aware about this, and he often expressed his frustration about it. In his case he had to live and see his body degenerate.
He was always very happy when we, the grandchildren, came to visit. He also enjoyed my parents little Bichon Frisé called Bisse. Even if he did not manage to get the names right he almost always realized who we were.
For about one week ago he had a very good day when we visited. He was not depressed (depression is an effect of Alzheimers), he was joking and responded to the conversations around the table. At one moment he was unable to express his joy resulting in a long and hearty laugh. We all enjoyed the visit.
Shortly after he fell and broke his hand, most likely due to a cerebral haemorrhage or as a result of advancing Alzheimer, with the result that for three days he did not respond at all when talked to. When he finally woke up he was noticeable worse than before and he slurred when he talked. After another couple of days he went back into a sleepy state and again stopped responding when talked to. When asked he could squeeze your hand, but that was it. He never recovered and tonight he passed away.
Tonight my thoughts go to my mother that is abroad and can’t be here. It burdens me that your longed-for vacation had to end like this.
You will be missed Ingemar Åström.