Archive for September, 2007

So we emptied the sideboard and put the stuff on tables in the living room. There’s going to be a change – I use maybe 10% of this stuff. Anyway, big job.

While I’m in the shower, W moved all the stuff to the love seat and sofa. He was calmly sitting with his book and announced that moving this stuff is too much work and we’re not doing it again.

I guess the look of astonishment on my face didn’t register:) We moved it all back to the 2 tables as if nothing happened. He resumed reading and I ran to the bathroom and had a good cry – then realized he could be moving it all again – cry over – out to guard my stuff, ha,ha. Sure hope he doesn’t slip out in the night and do it all over again.

It’s difficult to watch Dad decline – I hear it in their voices as we talk. Today, Computer son and I were having a great phone visit and the conversation came around to care for Dad and respite for me (or is it vice versa:)? Anyway, after the renos are complete and Christmas has come and gone, Mom gets serious about 4 hours 2 times a week. To start.

He had a good point that it’s probably good for Dad, also, as long as he’s comfortable with the person. Go for walks, the library, coffee or just sit and talk.

I love taking him places and roaring around but it’s time for some “me” time. This is not going to be easy the first time. Any suggestions?

Painter came this morn at 8am – busy day. Thought I had everything moved but missed such obvious stuff. He’s great and hummed all day or sang to me! Lucky it wasn’t my singing to him!

Trying to keep “everyone” calm as packed up the china cabinet in the kitchen and then started on the sideboard. He deals with it by going to bed. We have an appointment with the ger. specialist soon and I’ll be interested to hear his thoughts.

My biggest challenge today was to convince W to keep the cat in his cage or in another room. Rick was using mocha and creamy white paint – one calico kitty coming up.

Hope everyone had a nice day. Yeah, it’s Friday!

Today we both had shampoos and cuts. He informed me as we were leaving the house that he won’t need to go again before Christmas. Normally mellow, there was a sternness to his proclamation. Well, Hon, you will have 1 1/2 inch curls and that’s Ok with me but I’ll be sure to tell everyone that I offered:)

All went well and he came home, crawled into bed – jeans and all – and fell fast asleep. I woke him at 2:30pm and he said he wanted to sleep.

I think the process is too much for him now. We go to the same lady who has done our hair for 10 years & she’s wonderful with him.

What bothers me is, “What’s bothering him?” Wish I were an expert and knew. He had a bowl of Raisin Bran at 10 am – only food since dinner at 7pm last night.

The one blessing of upsets with Alzheimer’s, when I wake him he will have forgotten why he was upset.

I have to admit I erroneously thought all Alzheimer’s patients lost the recognition of family eventually. Not sure now if I read it or assumed- bad, bad assumption! Happy, happy, happy:)

Anyway, by what I run into in daily living, seems most people have never checked out a library book or gone on line.

My heart ache is that I run into people who wisely proclaim it’s (1)”just old age” or (2) he seems OK to me or (3) he’s still funny (4) he still knows me (5) he looks OK and the final kicker (6) I find it hard to believe what you say.

This is a bit of a rant after a tough evening and night.

If I hear this again from the same person I will tell him that W has gone back to work, I have been paying $12 per day for unnecessary meds because he knows more than the GP or geriatric specialist. “So sorry I didn’t consult with you first to save many appointments, tests, scans and MRI’s”.

This same person, when asked about W, wisely informs that he is “failing”. If I hear that again I will ask he gives no further updates.

End of rant – lucky for you and I feel better!