Conversations with My Mother
MEET MY MOTHER
Petronella Miyanda Dyamini
This story is about the strongest, bravest woman I know, who chose to follow her heart, mind and soul. She loved and fought fiercely for all whom she loved so that they could lead a better life than she could ever dream of.
There are many super heroes in this world like her and many of you will relate to this story and journey. This is our story.
My mother – Petronella Miyanda Dyamini.
These daily conversations with my mother are my journey to accepting her incurable condition – Parkinson’s & Lewy Body Dementia.
How do you grieve a person you can still talk to but not touch due to Covid19? How do you plan a funeral for your mother when she is right here? How do you still love yourself after putting her in a home for full-time care when growing up you remember her telling you and your sisters that she NEVER wants to end up in a retirement home?
I cannot promise you a happy story full of joy and laughter, where the girl meets her prince, they have beautiful children, have amazing careers and live happily ever after. However, I can promise you my truth, my mother’s truth and the loving moments, the angry ones the ones fuelled by hate – Lord knows there were many of those. I hate Parkinson’s & Dementia, in all its forms. I hated that my mother had this disease and that one day, meant that I wouldn’t even be a memory in her mind. I would be a stranger. My foundation, my back bone started with bipolar, I hated her for not taking her medication and stripping my late teenage years as I took it upon myself to look after the family when her employers terminated her job for not being capable to work. F*#k them! I stood by her. She is after all the reason my sisters, our children and I walk this earth today.
Dementia Support Services
Dementia Support Australia (DSA)
Responding to changes in behaviour, enhancing quality of life.
The DSA team are ready to help you. Call 1800 699 799 to talk to a DSA team member.
Dementia
Australia
No matter how you are impacted by dementia or who you are, Dementia Australia is here for you.
National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500
www.dementia.org.au
MyAgedCare
Australia
Improving Australia’s aged care system
You can call the My Aged Care contact centre on 1800 200 422 (Freecall)
www.myagedcare.gov.au
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“Caregiving often calls us to lean into love we didn’t know possible.” -Tia Walker
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LATEST BLOG UPDATE
6.0 Petronella in her younger years
Long before the signs of Lewy Body dementia emerged, I found solace...
5.0 Why can she be so mean?
My mom used to be my person. If something good happened, she was the...
4.0 Not eating anymore
Oh Petronella, Your strength defies me. Your stubbornness growing up...
Personal blog and memoirs of my mothers
journey as a single mother migrating from Southern Africa and now he journey with dementia.
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MIYANDA’S ROOTS
Parkinsons Disease
Michael J Fox has brought some focus on Parkinson’s Disease and finding a cure.
Life of the party
Parkinsons & Dementia may have her now, she may call me 10 times a day to tell me the same thing over and over; but this is how I will always remember her. Vibrant, full of life, laughter, natural beauty, life of the party, the world as her oyster.
"Goleka gu lila mwana'angu"
“Goleka gu lila mwana’angu” – do not cry my child, and then she would add in English “always think positive, especially when things seem bad”.
In Swaziland with Mum
Mum and I at my first holy communion in Swaziland (Southern Africa) – 1986
Don’t always be a good girl
“Flirt a bit in life, speak your mind with no regrets. Live lively and full of happiness!
For it’s the memories you make that will keep you smiling when it’s just you and your mind left”
Positive Thoughts
My love for you is forever.