Archive for December, 2007

In December 2003, our ger. psych. told me that we would have 2 good years at home yet. I probably cried a tub of tears for several months, cherishing every day with him.

I am so happy to report that it is now 4 years later, he is still home, very kind and loving, not grumpy and we have good companionship and enjoyable days. Things are slipping in a downward spiral but I still have him.

Glad you were off in your estimate that time, Doc.

Gave myself a laugh the other day – the laptop’s wireless card is toast so I am trapped to the cable connection. I am usually doing 3 things at once and cannot when I have to sit still tied to a cable – anyway, I digress.

Didn’t have the links to regular bloggers on the old computer as it’s “technically” W’s although he can’t use it any longer.

“Does she have a point to this post???” Why, yes, she does. I had to wing it to try to try to come up with your blog addresses. Such fun it was – got a couple nasty porn sights when I guessed for 2 addresses. Then a light bulb went off and I clicked on your comments. I swear my brain is not functioning as it should. Happy, happy, happy. Or dumb:)

To make a long story short, that is why I wasn’t making comments b/c I couldn’t find you til the light went on!

Enjoy Dec. 27th – at least I think it’s the 27th!

Years ago (has it really been years?) when I was sure we were dealing with Alzheimer’s, I ordered every book the library had on the subject. When the call came that the books were ready, I picked up 13!

Still working at the time, I would read them in the evening while sitting with W. I didn’t want him to know, so would set a book in a magazine and read away. Some were very helpful and some were not. I have to admit that I am not “tough” on him. I feel he has a battle to fight every day and hopefully he feels enveloped in love not controversy.

One fact that really stuck with me was “there is nothing worse than feeling useless”. I took it to heart and have tried to always let him help in any way possible. The story of the rugs being set in the bathrooms magnifies his place in this journey.

Something he still does rather well is fold facecloths for me. I will pick out anything “complicated” and give him a basket of facecloths. The end result is dependent on his “day”. Some days are very poor and I don’t ask. It was kind of sweet, one day I gave him socks to pair up – he just put any 2 socks together. We had quite the color combos going.

Have to be careful as I sincerely needed help getting chores done and asked him to fold napkins in half. He did it and then as he handed them to me, said something to the effect that my pet monkey must be on holidays. This humor would have been just that 10 years ago but I think he really felt slighted doing it.

Often he will refer to this as he reaches for a napkin – things “very good or very bad” stick.

It was very sweet tonight. As M&M were leaving for the airport and saying their goodbyes to us, MiHwa hugged him and called him “Daddy”. I think it just kind of slipped out as a loving word. He was very overwhelmed although didn’t let on at the moment. After they were dropped off, he mentioned several times, “Did you hear MiHwa call me “Daddy”? Wasn’t that nice?”

Another nice thing happened – our neighbors invited us to their open house on Dec. 23rd. M&M had just arrived so the 4 of us dropped in about 8:30pm for a short visit. It was mostly firefighters/wives and they were a great, loving bunch. That does not seem like a big thing but to have him recognized for a person that he is meant a lot to me.

Sorry to have rambled on! (And on and on!)

Wireless card went kaput a couple days before Christmas. One doesn’t appreciate the mobility and speed of a laptop til it’s no longer a laptop! I’ll never take it for granted again – until I forget this dinosaur I’m typing on now!

The Christmas season has been wonderful but poignant for us. We picked M&M up at the airport after a safe trip. It was so nice to have them home. Mark just patrolled the house, changing light bulbs, clearing the drive of ice, buying and putting down “anti-ice” whatever and generally helping. I love that he just goes ahead on his own. I haven’t had a light in the garage for a month b/c it’s very high up there. W&I did the “speed run” from the car while the opener light stayed on. Without thinking, I asked MiHwa to hold the rechag. lantern when I had to get something. Mark freaked I had not had a light – I thought I was tres ingenious as had plugged a lamp in and used the lantern – ah, I needed some sympathy and got it, just kidding.

Everyone loved the decorations, gifts, food, music and good time. I caught MiHwa in a pensive mood a couple times – I’m sure thinking of her family thousands of miles away. She did call.

Now we a waiting for our ride to take us to Shirl’s for dinner and then M&M fly at 8:10pm – will be an early 5pm dinner to accommodate the schedules.

Sounds like everyone had a wonderful family Christmas. We have. Dad is exhausted but tonight will be a bit more normal once we arrive home. Neil and Dan are here til the 28th so they are a great help and support also.

What would I do without the network – and very much the support of my faithful bloggers. Thanks from the bottom of my twitter pated heart:) Merry Christmas once again.

From our home to yours, Merry Christmas.

Sorry, computer issues again so haven’t posted.

Hope everyone has a wonderful day.