My sister Ida.

There are only two of us left in our family of seven. Ida is 88 and i am 82, youngest in the family. Unexpectently Ida's husband Ed died after knee surgery of septic shock. She in Baltimore and I in New Jersey. That was nine years ago. I was unaware that she was in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease and knew she could not be alone in Baltimore. After taking care of her affairs, I brought her to my home in New Jersey and for over a year, as her disease progressed, I enrolled her in the Visiting Nurses. What a wonderful caring place they have. The town provided bus transportation. However, she needed more help and I placed her in an Assisted Living facility nearby. She then progressed to the Alzheimer's ward - the Cottage in that facility.

She is so well taken care of but unable to recognize me. She doesn't hardly ever speak but mouth's the words to God Bless America. I see her at least once or twice a week and attend all the wonderful functions they have for her. She needs assistance to keep her balance; however she is not in a wheelchair nor has a cane.

I have arrangements for her transfer to Baltimore to be with her husband when the time comes. I thank God I am here for her and always will be.

Mary L. Sorensen

Mary L. Sorensen
Warren, NJ