Both my Nana's mom and my Papaw's mom have a form of Alzheimer's or Dementia. Grammy (Nana's mom) has Alzheimer's, and Granny (Pap's mom) has Dementia. They're both very different have they have taken away these sweet ladies slowly but surely.

I have watched these dreadful diseases take over the minds of both of my great grandmothers, and I just can't help but wonder what is going through their minds...if anything at all. Grammy was a spitfire back in the day. She had no problem telling you how she felt about something, but she had the best interest at heart.

She raised four amazing kids, who all raised kids of their own, and every single one of them had and still have a special place in her heart. Grammy still knows who some of us are, but she's having a hard time remembering some of us younger ones. It is hard to see her now, knowing who she used to be. She is most definitely not who she used to be, but I know she still loves us.

Unlike Grammy, Granny lost all recollection of who anyone around her was. When it first started, she would walk through her house sorting through things for no reason, and mixed all of her pills into a big bowl.

She dug through all kinds of pictures, greeting cards, newspapers, and would just pile them on the table. Granny had to have constant care, and it was hard for anyone to do that for her because of work, kids, grandkids, etc. Pap did (and still does) as much as he could, but we live 475 miles away from her, so you could see why our help was limited. Granny was moved to a home specifically for Alzheimer's patients and has been very well taken care of since moving there.

I chose to write about this because my family and I have received word that Granny has now entered stage six of dementia. She also is recovering from a broken hip. That being said, she can't move on her own.

They told us that she has to be fed, and will only eat pureed food. Her time is coming soon and we are all aware that this was going to be the case eventually. The thought of losing her is crippling. Especially to something so horrific. Dementia and Alzheimer's disease are painful to watch.

Granny will feel better and be the sweet beautiful amazing cook she was just years ago once she gets to Heaven, it's just hard to see her go.

If you've been through this, you know exactly how it feels. For those that have been more fortunate, I pray it never happens. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy.

Nana, me, my Mom, and Grammy

Nana and Grammy

Granny and I

Me, Granny, and my aunt Amanda