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About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (March 15, 2017)
8A FEATURES Pains of Alzheimer’s Dear Annie: My mother the whole ride back from the was diagnosed with Alz- restaurant and seemed in good heimer’s disease five years spirits. When we were saying ago. In the beginning, it was goodbye (not sure she remem- just small stuff, such as for- bered who I was), she began getting that she had told the to cry. She didn’t understand same story to us five times why she couldn’t go home with my dad. She or using her lipstick DEAR became very upset as eyeliner. About a and said, “But he is year ago, it got really ANNIE my husband. I love bad. My dad told me him. I want to sleep that she would get up next to him.” My dad in the middle of the was holding back night and take out the tears and said very car. One night, around calmly, “No, this is 3 in the morning, he your home now. You got a call from a gas Lane have to go to your station. The attendant Annie Creators Syndicate Inc. room.” The nurses said that there was a told my dad and me to lady there who didn’t leave and said they would take know where she was. After the middle-of- care of her. It was so sad to the-night scare, my father watch. Were the nurses right, decided it was time to put her or should we have taken her under professional care. We back with us? — Daughter in researched all the facilities and Distress Dear Daughter: Alzhei- found the best one. Though it is a great deal of money for us, mer’s is a horrible disease, not the care the facility provides only for the person diagnosed with it but also for all his or seems top-notch. The other night, my dad her loved ones. It takes no and I took my mom out to prisoners and leaves everyone dinner and then went back to around wounded; there is no the home where she is stay- doubt about that. I’m so sorry ing. She sang nursery songs you’re going through this. It sounds as if you’ve found a reputable care facility for your mom, and that’s great. Talk to her doctor and ask him or her whether there are any tech- niques you and your dad could use to help soothe your mom when she’s distressed. You might also talk to your insur- ance provider about home health care options. Dear Annie: I’m sure you’ve been contacted by others by now, but another resource for those who may want to honor someone who died from Alzheimer’s disease is to join a local Walk to End Alzheimer’s if one is offered in their community. More information is available at alz. org. I walk each year, as both of my parents have demen- tia. Please share this important information with your readers. — Susan B. Dear Susan: Thank you for writing. An estimated 5.4 million Americans suffer from the disease. Visit the Alzhei- mer’s Association website for more information about the disease and what you can do to help make a difference in the lives of those affected. THE DAILY ASTORIAN • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 2017 TOMORROW’S HOROSCOPE By Holiday Mathis, Creators Syndicate Inc. ARIES (March 21-April 19). Today is for thinking ahead. There’s a process you’ll begin now (while you’re far upstream from the destination) so that you’ll have what you need in the moment you need it. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Paradoxically, humility is among the least popular virtues, but those who adopt, understand and live it are among the most popular people. It takes a lot of confidence to be humble! GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Your work and process and role may be very different from your colleague’s or loved one’s position, and yet you both struggle with the same obstacles. There’s a way to work together for mutual benefit. CANCER (June 22-July 22). When everybody tends to his or her own business, news is scarce. If the helpless are being harmed, step in. Other than that, there are very few instanc- es when it’s right to intervene. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Investigations aren’t just for solving crimes. Investigate positive things too, especially the qualities and habits that might lead you toward the attainment of your goals. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). There are some very unhealthy situations in the world, and some of them you have to deal with on the regular. Don’t let it stop you. At the end of the day, it’s up to you to make a change and go where you can grow. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). As for that person with whom you can’t seem to sync up with: This is nothing to take personally. What’s going on is that you’re just not hearing the same music. Don’t try and impress. Instead, search for common ground. FRANK AND ERNEST BLONDIE THATABABY SALLY FORTH PHOEBE AND HER UNICORN B.C. LOLA DILBERT SIX CHIX BIZARRO MUTTS NON SEQUITUR BABY BLUES WIZARD OF ID ZITS ROSE IS ROSE SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Some are offended by the colloquialism “whatever,” putting it in the same category as a curse word. At the very least, it represents disre- spect and faux apathy, two things against your nature. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You can’t do it all in one day, or even think of it all in one day. But you can keep a running list. There’s something extremely lucky about committing your plans to writing. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Knowledge alone won’t make you any more effective than knowing the fundamentals of a dance will make you a dancer. This is why you practice over and over today. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). People who take responsibility for their actions once are likely to do so again and again. The reverse is also true. You’ll make an important decision, and an accurate character assessment will be key in this. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). “Duty first” is your guiding principle. Furthermore, you’ll put your own agenda aside to do what your friend needs. Just don’t leave yourself out entirely. What you do for your own enjoyment makes the world better, too. TOMORROW’S BIRTHDAY (March 16). You’ll flip the script on your inner world this year, seeing yourself as humbler and yet more pow- erful and richer and with less to contend with. April brings an exciting venture complete with big responsibilities that will be a joy to keep. May and July bring the chance to learn about your loved ones in new places. Sagittarius and Gemini adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 1, 7, 13, 22 and 48.
