I am inviting you along on a journey with me and my family. Let me warn you up front: you may end up shedding tears out of compassion at some points, while wiping away tears from laughter at other times. It will be full of turns and twists that will feel like a roller coaster ride, much like the "ride" that we have been on for the past two or three years....it is that of Dementia with my Dad. This seems to be a part of life for so many families these days. Above is a picture of Dad in one of his favorite places to sit (other than his comfy recliner) while he was still at home....his front porch, watching all of the action in the only hometown he has ever known. Here he is wearing his usual outfit....a pair of overalls, with some Mardi Gras beads that we brought back for him from Louisiana this spring. He has become almost child-like as the Dementia has progressed.
The front porch was one of his favorite places to hang out, weather permitting. From this perch, he could watch the traffic go by.....pointing out when a vehicle needed to slow down or pause longer at the stop sign, and usually tossing out a wave to those who looked his way. He could also watch the many birds and squirrels who made their home in the yard that he has meticulously cared for since we moved into this big, gray two-story house. When this picture was taken, Dad may have already suffered a few mini strokes, but he was still being cared for at home.
Oh yeah....this is me with my siblings when we were younger and still lived on the farm. I am the youngest of five kids (the baby as I was referred to for most of my life). We moved off of the farm in 1971, and became "city-dwellers". So many wonderful memories of growing up on that farm....oh the adventures that we had! The order is as follows: sisters Robin and Natalie, brothers Jim and Steve (Stub), and of course, me. Sadly, my brother Stub (Steve) is no longer with us. He passed away in 2003.
And this is my amazing Mom (who is shown here trying to corral my also amazing grandson, Tavian). I want to share this blog with people for many reasons, one of which is to demonstrate how unbelievably strong that my Mom has been throughout this whole process. She is a rock. She has been making most of the decisions for her and my Dad for several years now....while still allowing my Dad to think that he was a part of those decisions. Many days she was frustrated and even angry, but through it all, she has been willing to do what she felt was in my Dad's best interest. Another goal of this blog is an attempt to guide others who find themselves in the topsy-turvy terrain of Dementia. My goal is simple: by sharing what we have been through thus far....and as we continue to deal with the adjustments that our family is struggling with, hopefully others can learn how to deal with their loved one who may be in the same state of mind.
This was the day that we moved my Dad into a nursing home facility. He is holding their dog, Punky, as he sits in his new room. My Dad has always had a very unique sense of humor, and it has served him quite well in his current situation. Throughout this blog, I will share some funny stories and sayings that my Dad has provided us with....which has put a smile on not only our faces, but those who are around him. I will also share helpful tips for families who are facing this same disease with a loved one. Although we have shed many tears in the past few years, we have also had many opportunities for laughter. I want to make it perfectly clear that I am in no way belittling or trivializing Dementia or Alzheimer's patients and the confusion and/or pain that confronts every member of the family. My hope is that I can give advice and insight into how to deal effectively with your confused loved one, so that everyone involved will make it through this difficult journey. I know that my Dad would be thrilled if he knew he was helping someone else out....and he'd be even more tickled if he could bring a smile to their face. Are you ready?
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