Archive for October, 2009
Every so often, he says, “Where did everyone go?”
It caught me by surprise last night and I asked who he meant.
“They came in that door like they always do.”
This went on and on in variations but basically the same question. Finally I told him they had to work so went home. He remained puzzled and perplexed all evening.
Then the story of people coming out of the walls and floors started. I put the quilt back down on the floor in front of his chair but this time he could still see the people. He refused the pill he has for this kind of situation.
When we saw the specialist, he said he’d better see us in January instead of March. I guess he could tell how things were sliding.
Came home yesterday to see only Wayne in the living room. The care aide was no where to be seen (at first).
Then a cheery voice called from the laundry room, “I’m in here, doing laundry.”
She had collected everything she could find and washed clothes for us. I was so surprised and grateful. Told her she didn’t need to do any chores, just bathe Wayne and be company for him.
She’s all of 5′ tall and drew herself to 5’5″ and said she “dirtied” some of the towels, etc. so was washing them.
Also, they had a nice long walk, Wayne sprinting up and down the hills like a kid. I asked her to make him some toast and cheese for a 2pm snack. She said thought an omelet would be nice, too.
These gals deserve medals.
We had a confusing afternoon.
To try to get Life rewired, I brought the kitchen stool close and suggested he watch me make dinner. It didn’t work but I talked all the while trying to “twig” a memory of something, anything.(The care aide told me that he recounted how he had to rush to get his work done in order to take the boys and I flying – that would be in the 60′s and 70′s – it gave me hope)
Set our milk glasses on the table with the milk – he couldn’t do it – sometimes he is able.
We ate, I washed a couple things by hand. Just as I’m finishing he strolled over to the sink, “Where’s the t-towel, I’ll dry those for you.” My heart skipped a beat, he’s back, he’s back.
There were only 3 items. I was occupied putting food away, turned around and the 3 items are gone! Checked the laundry room and garage – maybe they are in another room.
My heart felt like smashing pumpkins – splut. Hopefully tomorrow – - -
Today was the first day Wayne was at a loss for words he wanted.
His Christmas cactus is in bud, we had it soaking for a half hour, timer set.
When the timer rang, I said it was for the cactus. “I’ll do it.”
He jumped out of his chair, headed to the hall and picked up some shoes. When I told him it was in the kitchen sink, he acknowledged and walked into the main bath.
By now I’m getting up to help. Guided him to the sink, showed him the cactus and he lifted the hand towel, “There’s a, a, a blanket here.”
He lifted the cactus from it’s saucer, put the “blanket” in the saucer and went back to his chair.
