Finding Joy in Every Moment: A Granddaughter's Journey with Dementia
A Grandmother's Legacy and a New Beginning
Sam Easton's experiences with her grandparents have given her a unique perspective on dementia that focuses on connection, love, and making the most of every interaction. After her grandfather's journey with dementia ended in 2006, her grandmother's diagnosis in 2012 began a 12-year journey that would teach Sam valuable lessons about living in the present.
Remembering Who She Was
"She was the organizer, the one on top of dates," Sam recalls about her grandmother with fondness. At 11 years old when the diagnosis came, Sam and her family discovered new ways to connect as her grandmother's memory changed over time.
Finding Connection Across the Miles
As the family moved from Vancouver to Calgary, their periodic visits back home created opportunities for meaningful moments together. Sam learned to embrace each interaction for what it was, discovering that flexibility led to more joyful connections.
Meaningful Moments That Matter
One of Sam's most treasured insights came when she realized her grandmother's continued interest in her life: "She didn't remember a lot of what I was studying or doing in university. But she cared enough to ask. I took more from that than anything. She still cared and she still asked, she wanted to know about me."
The Power of Presence in Dementia Care
For Sam's family, supporting their grandparents through dementia revealed the power of consistent presence. Sam's father encouraged regular connection: "Yes, the conversations are only 2 minutes, but please come and talk to her." These brief but meaningful interactions accumulated into something beautiful. "Even if it's a tiny visit or short phone call, something is better than no visit at all."
Turning Awareness Into Action
The family channelled their energy into positive action through Alzheimer Calgary. Sam became involved with community awareness and fundraising initiatives around age nine, even speaking to her fourth-grade class and a local newspaper about the cause. "We can turn it into something positive, like raising awareness," she explains.
Life in Care: Finding Comfort and Joy
Sam particularly treasures memories of her grandmother's life in care: "She loved the home. She really got along with the nurses. They would go out of their way, and help her FaceTime my Dad and my uncle during Covid. That was really special."
A Playful Approach to Memory Changes
Today, Sam shares her approach to connecting with people experiencing memory changes: "You don't remember where your keys are? Just giggle about it and turn it into a scavenger hunt. OK, let's go look for them again!"
Embracing What Is With Love
Sam's experiences taught her that acceptance opens the door to more genuine connections. "If you accept it for what it is, things change for the better," she says with conviction. "It leads to more enjoyable visits, more fun, and happier feelings."
Love Remains
Through her journey, Sam carries forward the heartwarming truth her parents instilled in her from the beginning: "Throughout her experience, my grandma was still her.”
See Sam’s full story about her experience with her Grandma and Grandpa here, captured in the StillMe social movement for change.
A Grandmother's Legacy and a New Beginning
Sam Easton's experiences with her grandparents have given her a unique perspective on dementia that focuses on connection, love, and making the most of every interaction. After her grandfather's journey with dementia ended in 2006, her grandmother's diagnosis in 2012 began a 12-year journey that would teach Sam valuable lessons about living in the present.
Remembering Who She Was
"She was the organizer, the one on top of dates," Sam recalls about her grandmother with fondness. At 11 years old when the diagnosis came, Sam and her family discovered new ways to connect as her grandmother's memory changed over time.
Finding Connection Across the Miles
As the family moved from Vancouver to Calgary, their periodic visits back home created opportunities for meaningful moments together. Sam learned to embrace each interaction for what it was, discovering that flexibility led to more joyful connections.
Meaningful Moments That Matter
One of Sam's most treasured insights came when she realized her grandmother's continued interest in her life: "She didn't remember a lot of what I was studying or doing in university. But she cared enough to ask. I took more from that than anything. She still cared and she still asked, she wanted to know about me."
The Power of Presence in Dementia Care
For Sam's family, supporting their grandparents through dementia revealed the power of consistent presence. Sam's father encouraged regular connection: "Yes, the conversations are only 2 minutes, but please come and talk to her." These brief but meaningful interactions accumulated into something beautiful. "Even if it's a tiny visit or short phone call, something is better than no visit at all."
Turning Awareness Into Action
The family channelled their energy into positive action through Alzheimer Calgary. Sam became involved with community awareness and fundraising initiatives around age nine, even speaking to her fourth-grade class and a local newspaper about the cause. "We can turn it into something positive, like raising awareness," she explains.
Life in Care: Finding Comfort and Joy
Sam particularly treasures memories of her grandmother's life in care: "She loved the home. She really got along with the nurses. They would go out of their way, and help her FaceTime my Dad and my uncle during Covid. That was really special."
A Playful Approach to Memory Changes
Today, Sam shares her approach to connecting with people experiencing memory changes: "You don't remember where your keys are? Just giggle about it and turn it into a scavenger hunt. OK, let's go look for them again!"
Embracing What Is With Love
Sam's experiences taught her that acceptance opens the door to more genuine connections. "If you accept it for what it is, things change for the better," she says with conviction. "It leads to more enjoyable visits, more fun, and happier feelings."
Love Remains
Through her journey, Sam carries forward the heartwarming truth her parents instilled in her from the beginning: "Throughout her experience, my grandma was still her.”
See Sam’s full story about her experience with her Grandma and Grandpa here, captured in the StillMe social movement for change.
