I have to say it’s been a funny old few weeks. My 90 year old mother had been behaving very strangely, exhibiting what could be called psychotic behaviour to the extent that she had to be sectioned in her care home. To watch the rapid change in her personality was incredibly upsetting especially as my dad had Alzheimer’s. Surely this could not be happening to mum too? It seemed too cruel.

Things came to a head when she had a fall then was admitted to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital. It was found she had pneumonia and sepsis and this was the reason for the extreme confusion and bizarre behaviour. We were told that, at her age, this type of illness could take her.

Amazingly after just a few days of treatment with oxygen and antibiotics she rallied, and is now back at her care home. She is tired and still quite fragile but otherwise fine. All signs of the confusion are gone and she is back to her old self.

I never cease to wonder at the strength of the human body in the face of illness. We have it within ourselves to heal and recover, this is what we find time and again. My mum explained to me afterwards that she felt that it could have been her time – she was seeing and speaking to my dad in her confused state – but that something was telling her to hold on. She loves her family fiercely, having an interest in all her grandchildren and she felt that she wanted to be around a bit longer to enjoy them.

My mum can be difficult, cantankerous and stubborn but I have witnessed a strength and spirit in her which I find quite inspirational.

Best wishes,
Wendy x