Like a lot of people, particularly those who are partially or fully isolated, I lean heavily on the sweet animals in my life for emotional support. In fact, were I to write about it as often as I am feeling it, I’d write about Mollie and/or Baisol as much as I do my mother. I… Continue reading February 19, 2017: Tribute to a cat that’s where it’s at
February 3, 2017: Mom rediscovers her piano
This seemed like a really cool moment, one that lifted my spirits so high when it happened, but it was greatly underestimated by myself as to significance. The ability to have activity in any weather, for mom to take the proper lead in actual events and bring such warmth and light to the home has… Continue reading February 3, 2017: Mom rediscovers her piano
December 10, 2016: Wonderings about wanderings
Mom has been dealing with her cognitive changes roughly the same since they began– some things she has figured out how to deal with via her new brain in better, more coherent ways, but in general she has a way of doing them more or less that started when her brain took the hit a… Continue reading December 10, 2016: Wonderings about wanderings
October 31, 2016: 2 years since Mom came home…
I have barely the ability to even recollect on the year 2016. My brother died, this home was almost killed off, my own state was beyond miserable and thoughts of the future were bleak. But the innocent eyes of both Mom and the cats looking back at me continued to keep me going, as did/does… Continue reading October 31, 2016: 2 years since Mom came home…
September 23, 2016: Mom comes home from a respite stay
I desperately need the breaks I manage to go on, but there are down sides. I generally don’t let mom stay at respites for more than 10 days, if she is there longer when she comes back I see serious, obvious decline (as simple as she was getting used to having things she didn’t need… Continue reading September 23, 2016: Mom comes home from a respite stay
September 12, 2016: Mom gets back to the Skagit– where she belongs.
Mom is the reason I am so utterly lost without getting away from the city, some of my earliest memories are of her, dad and I camping. My first actual memory in my consciousness is inside the RV. One of her favourite places has been part of her life since the 50’s, changing in meaning… Continue reading September 12, 2016: Mom gets back to the Skagit– where she belongs.
September 7, 2016: A common misconception about dementia
I have been trying to find different ways to express this for more than a couple of years at this point. What a person with dementia can communicate with you is not representative of what they know. What they can recall on command has no relation to how much knowledge is actually there. Perhaps for… Continue reading September 7, 2016: A common misconception about dementia
September 5, 2016: Mom attends BC Fed labour day.
I still often underestimate how much of a difference getting out into the real world– even when it is likely to involve a place that is “busy” and involves slowing down less. In this case, the weather was okay, the outdoor events was very good and the sensation of happily enjoying others company and being… Continue reading September 5, 2016: Mom attends BC Fed labour day.
July 18, 2016: Reflections on a simple, pleasant morning
I am happy to write now, nearly two years later, that days like this are continuously possible and give both of us reinvigoration. Knowing one another and having routine makes a tremendous difference.
June 26, 2016: Trusting in the situation
This process of deepening trust has continued along, and is in many ways the gasoline in my tank. Her deference to me as the one who gets things done– as opposed to being completely against the very concept– means the world. It is her contribution, really.