Archive for December, 2007
We called MiHwa and Mark about 6pm and Dad wished them a HNY with my prompting in the background.
We called Brian about 6:30pm and Dad continually wished him “Merry Christmas’ – my heart broke for Brian.
We decided to order in pizza (a fav of W’s) and have a fire on.
Happy New Year to all who read. Love J
January 2007 saw me start blogging as an outlet. Any reference to our situation was veiled for several months. Then I put up the “living the life,etc.” on the side bar.
All our families and friends know W has Alzheimer’s. But they did/do not know the extent of it’s progress or effect on both of us. So anonymously, I started writing “A Mountain Too High” mostly to “get it off my chest” and also, hoping to help others by giving my insight and/or solutions.
You have all been such a wonderful support to me – appreciate it and feel as if I know you personally. My dilemma is wondering if I should just write on the Welcome blog.
I chose the name of the blog from a wonderful evening with him listening to music.
“What’s in a Name?”
So I was asked how the name of the blog came to be–
Have a great wood burning stove in our family room – my man and I spend most evenings in our recliners – mesmerized by the flames, warmed by the fire and loved by each other.
We read, talk, nap (well, we are 61 and 65!) and listen to music. Buddy the (fickle) cat stretches out near the glass door basking in the heat.
Anyway, back to the blog name – Last Friday we were listening to Elvis’ rendition of “Welcome to my World” and as I walked by, my man reached out – we waltzed with Elvis serenading us. A special moment I’ll never forget. Kleenex, please.
This is the first year I did not have him do any shopping for me. He thinks he did. Usually, he will go out with my sister and choose a few items.
I’m not sure if this was “politically correct” but I bought some stuff, had it wrapped by my sister – she handed it to him to put under the tree.
He was all happy with his gifts for me (and they were what he would have chosen).
I thanked him as I opened them barely holding back tears but I made it thru. He was delighted that I liked them.
Last night we were enjoying the tree lights – I noticed a kitchen chair in the living room – “Would you please take that chair to the kitchen?” Willingly he grabbed the chair,”Where’s the kitchen?” Told him “where the kitchen table is.” Up the 2 steps to the dining room, off to the kitchen – and then he was lost. He stood in front of the stove and swiveled his head around as he headed to the back entry. At this point I got up to help.
My sister commented on how well he presented for the holidays with all the company. He did do well. As long as nothing is asked of him. We all laughed and talked and had a great time.Everyone was so kind to him and included him.
Sure you folks are wondering why I still ask him to do things when probably he cannot – because I forget his disability – and that book said people with Alzheimer’s still want to be helpful. That is so true – he is so willing – - -
