Yesterday I gently rubbed his arm and told him hello, time to get up, let’s go out. In the coldest voice he told me, “Don’t do that.” It sent shivers up my spine as I’ve never heard him react like that or speak in that tone. Once he woke up, things were ducky, we went to our home and he was all smiles. Bought a large tub of ice cream and he even remembered his favorite flavor was vanilla.

Today I happened to be driving by at 9:30am – on the off chance he was up and about (it has happened!), I called the nursing station. She said that he was “kind of up”. Well, I found out he had chased the nurse out who brought his meds – with some ahem, inappropriate language. I was shocked. she was not upset, bless her heart. She’s seen it all.

When I told him who I was, blah, blah, blah, and gave him a hug he recoiled and grabbed his hand saying I hurt his little linger. Finally got him up, dressed, fed and we walked the gardens.

Once indoors, I suggested we watch a TV program. He said he couldn’t stand all the people and we left for his room. I feel so very sorry for him.

last night one lady same, “Oh no, he would never put her in care He is trying to keep her home as long as possible but he sure gets impatient with her and yells at her.”

second conversation: Al spouse asks when his bath is. Wife answers, “You know it is Thursday, it is always Thursday. quit asking me.”

Just put the patient in care Don’t degrade him or her. At least the care home staff are patient and kind!

Most days he tries very hard to say sentences and is very happy. We also phone his brother who lives 11 hours away. It amazes me how “good” Wayne sounds when on the phone as usually he is confused and upset.

Anyway, life is pretty good. It sure is a lot easier to have him closer.

Wayne held my hand in both of his most of the service. When he did let go of my hand, he “played the piano” on the table really concentrating. It was sweet.

The pastor handed out Palm Sunday crosses and Wayne took his with thanks and said to me, “Isn’t that nice?”

When the sermon included how Jesus rode into town on a donkey, Wayne said in a clear, rather loud voice, “I didn’t know that!” Low chuckles here and there.

We sang a couple hymns and during one, Wayne turned to me and nodded and said, “Santie’s coming.” Then he smiled at me. It melted my heart. my father used to say Santie’s coming as a joke every Christmas so I think this came to mind during the service.

When we were drinking coffee afterwards, he said he’d plant cedars so he would prune less.All is well – - -

She only yelled and gave people heck there.

Thought I’d see what her reaction would be when I spoke so I told her she looked very pretty. Her response, “I do?!”

Believe, that sentence would not have happened a couple weeks ago.

Wayne is doing well except for his night time wandering and upset. I think he is actually looking for me and when I finish this post will call the RN to make sure he gets medication if he is upset tonight.

Thank you all for your wonderful support – thru good and bad days.

Anyway, we have not attended church since Feb. 1998 (the music bothered him, little did I know why)

After this very nice, quiet service, I commented to Wayne, “30 minutes is just about right, isn’t it? Usually church is 60 minutes.”

His smile of old broke through and he said,”Or maybe longer.” Then he laughed at his own joke and ate his Nanaimo square satisfied that life was good.

***the services are held in a communal hall and we sit at tables and chairs – I think this is good for continuity.

It was not difficult to find Dad among the 60 or so persons – he was seated at a table with 7 women and was the happiest I have seen him in several years. His face fairly shone and beamed. He was animated and laughing and pointing to various things.

To be honest, I almost hated to join him as thought he may quit. He didn’t and kept on talking and making observations in full sentences – another rarity in the past few years. He’d get so excited his words sometimes jumbled up but even the other residents were smiling at his happiness. The staff certainly were.

The tea cups confused Dad a bit so I removed the saucer and it helped.

Wayne was the first of 6 or 7 new residents to be introduced and he loved it! Actually, I had to gently seat him as he kept smiling and looking around with a big smile.

There was really nice soft guitar music by 2 fellows who sang Irish songs and many residents joined in. Dad clapped and tapped the table and gave a rounding applause after each song!

Some wonderful good news for a change. xxoo

After over 28 months of driving 2 hours(round trip) per day to see Wayne, I am now appreciating the more relaxing drive of 20 minutes one way! I drop in any time of day and spend afternoons or evenings with him.

He is just now adjusting to his new nurses, etc. Last night was the first that he ate a good dinner. When I checked later in the evening they said he was watching “Father of the Bride” movie.

The staff at the previous home were terrific and I see the same kindness in the new care home.

Actually, I didn’t post for so long as was totally exhausted and probably quite depressed. Will still make blog private at some point but it’s nice to feel more normal again.

My Sis and BIL are a 5 minute drive away.

He did not realize he was in a new home until this morn when new staff were aiding him – it ended up I had to physically get him up and dressed – I do not blame them – it is extremely difficult.

Quick as a whip, Wayne replied,”Oh, I’ve been in and out and busy – not around too much.”

A doctor sitting nearby caught my eye and smiled.