Archive for April, 2010

So, Ms. tiny and cute has a new name. Lately, she has been testy with the staff. One nurse commented that T & C should eat her soup or it would get cold. “I’ll eat that soup and then toss you in the bowl!” The nurse laughed and said, “you’re wee but mighty” and another chirped in, “Mighty Mouse” – hence a new name.

Today she asked me to give her a kiss then firmly grabbed my face and gave me a big, sloppy “schmuck”.

Run Jean, run.

I’ve been trying to pay attention to the ladies at Wayne’s unit. One, in particular, is so tiny and cute one can’t ignore her.

When I called out, “Good bye, ***, see you tomorrow,” she answered, “No, you won’t. I won’t be here.”

Thinking a family member were taking her out, I asked what her plans were – - -” It’s my day off.”

(She used to work at Eaton’s. One day another lady challenged her, doubting that she did indeed work at Eaton’s. “What department!!!???”

Ms. cute and tiny answered without hesitation, “Ladies wear.” I could almost see her smug smile”)

I looked over at her, tears were streaming down her face but no sobs. Ran to hug her and ask what the matter could be. She said she was so happy to have seen her Grand-baby – “I don’t see her often. I love her. I’m crying because I am so happy to see the baby.”

Running to their van, I caught them just as they were buckling Baby in. “Grandma is so happy you stopped by with the baby. Please be sure to come often.” They looked at me in amazement, “She doesn’t know us so we don’t bother to come.”

Explained that Wayne doesn’t know “me” but he’s always delighted to see me and hugs me, etc.

After our conversation, I could tell they had not understood AD but it seems they would come oftener.

(This is the lady who is a special friend to Wayne – momentarily I hesitated to comfort her but felt a special love for her in this situation.)

We moved to our city in January 1974. Wayne joined the local chess club and was chess master that year.

I have always found chess too much for my liking although he tried to teach me chess the night before I had Brian! My concentration was not too good to say the least.

Anyway, he bought a chess computer in 1975 or so and spent many hours on it. While cleaning and sorting in his office recently, I found newspaper clippings of world chess master games and also many games he played against Henry, his chess computer. This was very touching to me as I didn’t realize how serious he was.

As his disease progressed, he no longer played. One evening a few years ago, I suggested he try a game on Henry. He said he could no longer play. I offered back to him that he should set the level to the lowest “as he’s out of practice”.

I’ll never forget, he turned to me and said it’s me, pointing to his head.

Anyway, tonight I decided to try to play on the computer in honor if Wayne. Well, it’s a fiasco to be sure and I still find it difficult. He’d laugh if he saw my moves – I may take the laptop in and show him “my stuff” – it will be interesting how he responds.

He has an uncanny ability to meet my eyes as I enter his space – no matter what time of day I arrive. It’s really something.

A volunteer was singing older songs to a group of residents. (He accompanied himself on the guitar) Sliding into a chair beside Wayne, I was delighted to see him patting his thighs, keeping time to the music.

Coffee, tea and treats were served. It was interesting to watch Wayne study his mug of coffee and glass of water. He’d go to grasp the water and then – zzzzz – he’d go to grasp the coffee. ZZZZ his mind seemed to whirl, not able to decide or think it thru. Finally he decided on coffee and hit the edge of the mug, emptying it into his lap, the chair cushion and floor.

They were worried he may be burned so we stripped him, changed his clothes, made a report and now it’s dinner time.

Over goes his soup bowl. I’m worried.