My grandmother

Many people who know me might not realize my grandmother has schizophrenia. She comes up with some weird ideas she truly sees as real in her eyes even though you know they aren't true. The bad thing is you can argue the validity of your point all day long and it won't make a difference. I believe this is a highly misunderstood disease, even to me.

It can be difficult to know how to respond to someone with schizophrenia who makes strange or clearly false statements. Remember that these beliefs or hallucinations seem very real to the person. It is not helpful to say they are wrong or imaginary. But going along with the delusions is not helpful, either. Instead, calmly say that you see things differently. Tell them that you acknowledge that everyone has the right to see things his or her own way. In addition, it is important to understand that schizophrenia is a biological illness. Being respectful, supportive, and kind without tolerating dangerous or inappropriate behavior is the best way to approach people with this disorder.
-How you can help a person with schizophrenia from the NIMH website

I know I probably shouldn't but I find myself highly amused yet aggravated at times with some of the things she says and believes. I hope my mom doesn't mind me posting these "Granny-isms". Most of them revolve around my grandfather James who passed away fifteen years ago. The ones in quotation marks are her actual words.

• Well, the strangest one is she believes my grandfather is still alive. She has fought with my mom about it.
  
• We stopped to get her a caramel Frappé after an appointment today. "I sure wish James could have come with us. He would have liked some coffee."
  
• "I saw some pears in the cabinet. I want you to serve me and your dad some with dinner." This was directed at my mom one night.
  
• My grandfather recently bought her a car, specifically my car. My mom hasn't heard enough about that so make sure you mention the PF Cruiser (not PT) to her.
  
• We lost our family place at the lake because the town flooded. DIDN'T HAPPEN
  
• My grandfather is coming home every night and almost every day. My grandmother barely sleeps for going to look for him out the door. This has been one of the major issues for my mom.
  

I could bore everyone death with this stuff, but I won't. I applaud my mother for her patience in dealing with my grandmother. I only worry about her health as I know this is a big strain. Mom, don't worry. Maybe I will get some patience of my own so you won't end up at a nursing home.