Archive for September, 2009

I slipped into the chair beside him before he could jump up and fly away!

The group was in the middle of a toss game, trying to land various stuffed items on playing cards on the floor.

He leaned over to me and whispered, “This could take awhile.” I smiled inside.

There is every ability and disability present. The 3 males with Alzheimer’s are all gentle giants. Two sisters quibble and nitpick at each other (both are fine physically). One gentleman is wheelchair bound and another lady requires a walker. The other lady should have a walker but I think is trying to remain as independent as possible.

The staff should have accolades – they treat each person so well. When it was Wayne’s turn to stand at the green line for the toss, he faced 90 degrees right. As she just took his arm and turned him around, he tripped on her shoe. “I’m injured!” Everyone got a good laugh.

The next fellow got up to the line and stood with his back to it – again, patience and kindness for him.

these groups need volunteeers so if anyone should want to spend an hour or two – - -

He slept til 4pm and was ready for bed shortly after – I kept him up til 8pm.

All evening he stared at the wall, his look like someone trying to recall. Finally I asked if I could help him, was he wondering about something? Could I help him to remember? His returned gaze gave me shivers, his eyes void of life, no baby blues I’ve loved for years.

Washed him up and tucked him in – home care nurse will get him up at 11am – I’m grateful for those wonderful ladies.

(BTW, no more posting til I read each and every blog – I’m so sorry to have not since going. I get home by 3 so will try later this afternoon. Also, having issues with password protected blog so if I re-send all your invites, just chalk it up to my ineptitude on this computer!)

He turned to look at me, “Am I married?”

(The old “knock me over with a feather” situation.)

I tried answering calmly and cheerily, “Yes, you are, to me.”

“Really?!”

I held my breath and then he said, “That’s good, that’s really good.” My heart sang.

I tapped his wedding band – he laughed. “We’ve been married 44 years, last month.” His response was, “Holy cow!”

It’s an old joke – a few years ago he said, “I couldn’t leave you if I wanted to cause I can’t get my ring off anymore.” Think he connected the ring and maybe the old joke – or maybe not.

He entered with a smile on his face, clutching his treasure – a shiny piece of paper advertising cars. Mom followed behind him and he surveyed his new world, smiles for everyone. I asked his age, “Just under 2.”

Every waiting patient was “visited” and shown his treasure as he talked away in a language only he could understand. As he approached, held the paper for us to see, barely glancing at me. Moving to Wayne, he smiled the most gentle smile and “studied” him, the little guys eyes softening.

I think he knew and he gently set the paper of Wayne’s lap, waiting for a reaction, all the while gazing in Wayne’s eyes. After a few more minutes he collected his treasure, Wayne assuring him that his treasure was wonderful.

He walked to his young mother and lay his head in her lap, almost as if to get an explanation or reassurance. So gentle a wee lad he is. Bless your heart little one. Wonder if he will remember this in years to come, I will.

My sister has always maintained that Wayne remembers “really good” situations and “really bad” ones. This seems to be so.

Although he told me he felt no pain anywhere, I bundled us up and visited a walk-in medical clinic. My pain had spread to my shoulders and back. When my neighbor saw me, she commented my right side was swollen. Ok, enough, time to see the doc.

Right now, seems ice/heat (alternated) and Ibuprofen are the order of the day. Today is a bit better – my concern is TMJ trouble and/or abscessed teeth from the hits I took. That will no doubt come later – if it does.

Anyway, I prepared to wheel and deal to get him to agree to be seen by the doctor – no problem. “I’m concerned as a fellow hit you yesterday. Do you remember?”

“I sure do!” (This actually surprised me.)

After a pretty thorough exam, the doc proclaimed him Ok.

We have an appointment with our own MD for Monday and think I’ll keep it. I’d like him to have a legal record of the goings on.

Will keep you updated.