My mother had dementia, and placing her in a nursing home in Kent broke my heart. I carried guilt every day, especially when she no longer recognized me.
When she passed peacefully, a young caregiver stayed by her side so she wouldn’t be alone. Months later, I discovered my mom had secretly created a trust fund—leaving a large portion to a caregiver scholarship at the home, writing: “For those who stay when everyone else has to leave.”
Her gift helped that caregiver finish nursing school and continue caring for families like ours.
I learned that dementia may steal memories, but it doesn’t steal love. Sometimes the hardest decisions we make are acts of love.
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