Woman with Dementia Doesn't Remember Husband, Still Cuddles with Him for Safety

In a viral Twitter post, one daughter shared a bittersweet picture of her parents. Her father started caring for her mom after she was diagnosed with dementia. Despite the loss of memory, the pair still cuddled.

In 2018 a woman honored her parents by posting a touching image of them online. She did not expect the photo to go viral, but it did, and netizens had a lot to say about the couple.

The photo featured her mother, Phyllis Feener, who was diagnosed with early-onset dementia in 2012. She was 52 years old at the time, and amid her health struggles, her husband remained by her side.

A DISPLAY OF TRUE LOVE

Husband Stan started working from home to be closer to Phyllis. He cared for her needs and provided her with comfort as she faced memory loss.

Their daughter, Kelli Taylor, showed netizens a display of true love. In a photo, Stan had his arms wrapped around Phyllis as she sat on his lap. Despite occasionally forgetting his name, she still felt safe around him.

SHE KNOWS SHE IS SAFE

Taylor wrote: "My parents have been married for 34 years. My mum is in the final stages of young onset dementia (diagnosed five years ago at 53)." The family created a GoFundMe page to help with taking care of Phyllis.

More than $20,000 was raised to support the family. The page also revealed a sad development. Phyllis sadly passed away in May 2018.

SHE PASSED AWAY

Her daughter shared: "She went peacefully in her sleep, just three days after her 58th birthday ... we're relieved that she is no longer suffering." The family was overwhelmed by the generous support.

Not only did people contribute financially, but people wished them well online as well. The couple's special bond moved netizens, and the post led many to share their experiences.

THE ONLINE REACTION

Many expressed the pain when a family member faced dementia and stated that watching them suffer was terrible. One user said: "My father has it. It's difficult and heartbreaking."

Another added: "My grandpa was diagnosed with dementia three years ago, and he has been slowly fading since. I've always been very close to him, but I have such a hard time being with him now."

INSPIRED BY LOVE

People thanked Taylor for sharing their personal story. Users were encouraged by the display of love and commended Stan for all he sacrificed for his wife. One netizen said: "I applaud your father for handling it well."

Amid the sadness of Phyllis' passing, the family was encouraged by how the public responded. With close to 100 thousand shares, the story reached many people, with and without dementia, inspiring them and showcasing real love.