b'There are sweet blessings in doing so. My motherwas very demonstrative with us as kids. We neverdoubted that she loved us. But as an adult, she hadnever held my hand. I spent every afternoon of thatweek before she died holding her hand. It was sospecial. I will take that memory to my grave.Make every day count On Valentines Day, Brother Charles Johnsons mother,Kathleen, 80, died from complications of dementia.He remembers when he first noticed her decline. We were at the kitchen table, and she says to me,This isnt my house. Its a model. Someone put it together, recalls Brother Charles. She demanded to see the deed to the house. Soon after, his motherfell and was admitted to a skilled nursing facility torecover. She never returned home.For adult children with a parent experiencing PHOTO: ROBIN JERSTAD dementia, Brother Charles recommends that youFather John Thompson, SM, He is more than grateful for the times he traveled to educate yourself about the disease. It also helped towhose father, Ed, died inFlorida to be with his dad and for the precious time educate my dad, he says.September he spent with his mother during her illness. Its im- With Brother Charles two younger sisters and portant to slow down and be with family members, a brother living nearby in Philadelphia, their father,especially as their health declines, says Father John.Charles, 83, now plans to move into a retirement center.Brother Charles Johnson, SM,PHOTO: KYLENE CLEAVERwith his father, Charles; BrotherCharles mother, Kathleen, diedon Valentines Day this year.12 Call 1.800.348.4732'