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Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Insecure Writers Support Group



The first Wednesday snuck up on me this month. Apologies to anyone who stopped by earlier and didn’t find my post up. I get a little ticked, too, when that happens to me. Blame my delay on total forgetfulness. I’m sure you’ve heard of the new mother amnesia syndrome. Well, how about a grandmother’s amnesia after five days of babysitting a six-year-old and an almost four-year-old? There must be some sort of syndrome for that.

Don’t get me wrong. I love my grandkiddies dearly. We even moved over a hundred miles to live closer to them. But they take a lot of energy. The older child can do a lot for herself, minds well (generally), and can entertain herself. Her younger brother? Not so much. The word "challenging" comes to mind.

I’m afraid my brain cells went into hibernation. I forgot a guest post last week and now this. I hope a good night’s sleep and a couple of naps will renew my memory.

As we age, we begin to worry more about the future—especially our health. They say what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger. There is a disease that doesn’t kill us nor does it make us stronger. Alzheimers. I watched my mother struggle with losing not just her memories, but her very self. More than cancer or heart disease (both of which are prevalent in my family), I worry about losing my mind. I have so many stories I haven’t written yet. More importantly, I don’t want my grandkiddies to think of me as the Nana who forgot who they are.

PS I knew something was I forgot. Make sure to check out the other members' blogs to see what they are insecure about this month.  There is a contest going on today at the IWSG website. It’s all about spreading the word.

26 comments:

  1. I worry about this too and I'm only 39. Something about genetics on top of our crazy fast paced life doesn't bode well for me either. Good luck to you!

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  2. Hi Diane, I think we all worry about Alzheimers. But, really, taking care of two kids - especially when it's not your normal routine - I think you can forgive your brain. And now go write those stories... if anything, it's good mental exercise.

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  3. I can relate with you, Diane. My mom has Alzheimer's. What a wretched disease to suffer from. And, it truly is suffering. And, heartbreaking.

    I look forward to the day when I can chill out with the grandkids. However, my kids need to wait for a bit and get their careers in order first. Oh, and wives might help too.

    co-host IWSG
    Elsie

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    1. Yeah, wives might help. LOL That's what I say about my son. My heart goes out to you for what you & your family are suffering. ALZ is truly wretched.

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  4. Oh boy, that is a hard one and I think we can all sympathize with the fear of losing our very "selves." I remember the energy it took with my two, hope I have it for when grand kids come along! Thanks for sharing!

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    1. It's surprising what you can do. But sometimes the spirit is willing and the rest of you has a hard time. LOL

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  5. My mom is a very young 51 and has the same worries about Alzheimers... but those worries seem to always pop up after a loooong day of watching her beloved grandchildren. Hugs!

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    1. Thanks, Kristen. And I'm sure yours are beloved, too. :)

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  6. Oh, and I wasn't referring to my perfect kids, of course. My sisters'. ;)

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  7. A little late is fine! And you did good to get a post up. I would've needed deep therapy after five days of that.

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  8. I wonder if writers especially worry about that? I know I do for the same reasons you have - too many stories yet to tell. :)
    Brain cells get knocked out by small children and they roll under the sofa like shiny marbles. I know I tried to retrieve mine but the cat stole them and I haven't found her stash yet. Maybe yours are hidden away somewhere.

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    1. LOL Did you notice I've begun almost every reply with that? You guys make me smile. Better than therapy.

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  9. I hate forgetting things, yet I've got so much crammed in my noggin and so much of it is time-sensitive that I find myself beginning one task, remembering something crucial, switching gears, starting on Task #2, remembering Task #3, starting that, passing by something that reminds me of Task #4. "I can knock that out quickly and be done with it," I say and then the phone rings and it's Task #5. Point is...I'm easily distracted nowadays. It drives my husband batty. [Sheepish grin.]

    Now that you've escaped the claws of those little brain zapping terrors, you can get back to work! :-)
    --December IWSG co-host

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    1. Oh, Kim, you perfectly described how I go about tasks. So easy to be distracted. The parents came home and I got a good night's sleep. Now back to work.

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  10. I call that a baby sitting hang over!! I can't imagine taking a 4 and 6 year old for that long!!

    Right now I'm 25 so I am not as worried at the moment, but I know Dementia runs in my family, so I do think about it from time to time. My fear is that it will hit my mother before she gets to know her grandkids (if I give her any!!).

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    1. Mom saw my granddaughter 6 weeks before Mom died. For a moment, I thought I saw a spark in Mom's eyes that she knew the baby was my grandchild. I'm sad that she has missed the other great-grandchildren (6) who have been born since and that none of them ever got to know what a terrific person she was.

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  11. I know what you mean, Karen. I waited a long time for it. :) Still waiting for my son to get married & have children. I'm a glutton for punishment. LOL

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  12. I have relied on lists and post-its for years, I like to think it's because there's so much information overload in my brain rather than anything medical. As well as lists and post-its one of my new 'friends' is scheduled posts on blogger :) As soon as this ISWG is over I do the heading for the next post and set the date - that way every time I log on there's a gentle reminder :)
    Thanks for visiting my blog!
    Suzanne @ Suzannes Tribe
    x

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    1. I think you're right, Suzanne. Brain overload. I'm a list-maker, too. And have a calendar with responsibilities listed. It helps to actually look at the calendar. LOL

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  13. But shouldn't writers, whose brains are always in overdrive, be the ones who are less susceptible to Alzheimer's? I suppose it's not that simple though, is it? There are lots of factors to consider.
    Happy writing Diane. And thanks for stopping by my place.

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    1. Interesting thought, Michelle. I hope exercising the brain (through writing) helps. Thanks for stopping by.

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  14. I hear you Diane...I think we all worry about this, whether happening to ourselves or to a loved one. I wrote an IWSG post on 'losing your mind' if you're interested: http://jessikafleck.blogspot.com/2013/11/iwsg-boulder-tattoo-project.html Take care!

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