Editorís note: The following was written by Virginia Kinleyís children: Jimmy Kinley, Judy Ann Kinley, Rita Kinley Wells, Earl Sidney Kinley, Karen Kinley Goins. Kinley wrote LifePlus columns for the Salisbury Post for many years.
Many of you have doubtless read some of our mamaís writings over the years in the LifePlus section of The Salisbury Post. From musings of her life growing up in rural Rowan County with her parents and two brothers to her love-filled life with her husband of 63 years and five children on a farm in rural Rowan County ó where the work was never done, but neither was the faith, love and music that held the family together for so many years.
Well, after our precious daddy died after suffering from Alzheimerís, Parkinsonís and gall bladder disease at the age of 85 in December 2009, we noticed that our mama was not only grieving for the love of her life, but she was forgetting things that made us suspect that she was also suffering from Alzheimers. After caring for our daddy until he died, was this terrible disease making another mark on Mama?
All of us had noticed her memory problems, and several trips to two different neurologists had preceded the hospital trip that changed everything. After that trip to the hospital due to extreme confusion and pain, we were told by the professionals that she would only be released to an assisted living facility because she needed 24/7 care. We knew none of us had the training and stamina to keep our Mama healthy and safe on our own. We all have our own families to consider and it just wouldnít work. Our oldest brother took the lead and we found and decided on Clare Bridge Assisted Living in Statesville. Mama has been a resident since June of 2010, and we visit her as often as we can. Our oldest sister takes Mama to church on Sundays and out to eat and to get some ice cream on Sunday afternoons. Mama has always loved ice cream. Our sister also visits her quite often during the week. Our oldest brother takes Mama for her medical appointments and visits her often with his wife, and our youngest sister takes care of arranging Mamaís haircuts as well as many other things, and she and her husband visit often with their grandchild. Our younger brother and his wife and their young granddaughter visit Mama and she just loves making ëfunny facesí with the children. My husband and I try to visit weekly as we live about 80 miles away. I call her several times each week just to chat a few minutes. The staff at Clare Bridge are loving, caring individuals who we are so thankful for and appreciate more than they will ever know.
Itís hard to believe that a woman who loved writing and provided many a laugh and tear with her stories is unable to function at that level anymore. If you would like to share with her your stories and how her stories have uplifted you, please write her; sheíd love to hear from you. Mama will celebrate her 82nd Birthday on August 24, 2011.
Her name is Virginia Kinley of Woodleaf, NC. She now resides at 20B Clare Bridge, 2814 Peachtree Place, Statesville, NC 28625.