Posted on 11/14/2007 10:52:46 AM PST by dead
The retired Supreme Court justice's spouse, John O'Connor, has had Alzheimer's disease for 17 years, and after moving into an assisted-living center in Phoenix, he began a romance with a fellow patient also suffering from the mind-debilitating ailment.
But the justice isn't jealous - the O'Connor family believes the love has given John, 77, a new lease on life.
"Mom was thrilled that dad was relaxed and happy and comfortable living here and wasn't complaining," their son Scott O'Connor, 50, told Phoenix's KPNX-TV.
Scott said that when his father recently arrived at the Huger Mercy Living Center, he was depressed.
"He knew this was sort of the beginning of the end," said Scott O'Connor. "It was basically suicide talk."
Then John O'Connor was moved to another part of the center, where he met a lady simply known as Kay.
They are often together and hold hands, Scott told KPNX.
"Forty-eight hours after moving into that new cottage, he was a teenager in love. He was happy."
< snip >
(Excerpt) Read more at nypost.com ...
Hmmm, I wonder how “Honey, Its not what you think, I have Alzheimer’s!” will work as an excuse?
None of our business, in my opinion.
I’ve also heard of the heartbreak of Alzheimer’s patients who can’t remember that their spouse is deceased. When they are lucid enough to ask for their spouse and are reminded that this spouse has passed away, it is like hearing this devastating news for the first time. Over and over again.
Many recommend just saying that the spouse is busy or couldn’t make it that day.
Very sad. I admit this story seems a bit voyeuristic, but it is also educating people to the real challenges this horrible disease brings to the whole family.
Are you serious?
Good grief.
Abuse? Rape?
It sounds like he is holding on to the best part of humanity that he remembers - love.
He is an old man who just wants someone to hold his hand.
Neither.
That’s not the name of the movie I saw. The Notebook had James Garner in it, correct? If so, that’s not the one. It was something like “It’s time to go” or something like that.
I cannot imagine what it must be like to have a loved one afflicted by this.
Ugh.
>>Does Kays family know that their mother is being abused by this facility? She is not of sound mind. If there is sexual contact, its Rape.<<
If two people with Alzheimer’s have sex why would it automatically be rape.
And why would it be the man that is charged?
I am truly sorry you had to witness those things.
<P.I pray that they find a cure for this terrible disease.
Former President Clinton says... "I keep telling Hill I've got Alzheimer's, but she wants a note from my doctor."
Film... at 11!
Series as a moose attack, ap.
Nah, jest havin' a little fun on a very serious topic. No disrespect meant to anybody with family members or friends so afflicted.
I know, I have a couple of relatives who had it, and the pain it creates is real. In our family, humor was the only relief.
I haven't heard of the film you mention.
Boy, was I way off. It was called "Away from her" I hope I'm destined for this situation, just yet! :-)
LOL...little too slow
Ha Ha!
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