Mom, as par for the course she is currently on, does not converse easily very often. As a result, even I find myself dealing with her much more poorly in the company of other people. I think it is fair to say her ‘care’ from myself is at its lowest when I am around others… Continue reading February 23, 2017: Please stop talking past my mother
Tag: emotions
February 19, 2017: Tribute to a cat that’s where it’s at
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
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 10, 2016: Saying good-bye to Gordie Howe
Mom has always been a hockey fan, and she still has emotional attachment to the players she grew up with perhaps most of all. None of them, not even Jean Beliveau, could match Mr Hockey (and she grew up an Armstrong-led Leaf fan).
October 14, 2015: Mom turns 75
Perhaps obviously, I wrote this in the morning of Mom’s birthday before we went out. I don’t remember all of many days, even many of the better ones of the last few years have had one over-arching vagueness in the memory after the fact. One day at a time life is like that. But I… Continue reading October 14, 2015: Mom turns 75
September 7, 2015: After the Lake
Having realistic and still beautiful goals makes achieving them possible and gives the feeling you need most: Purpose. The why in doing something needs it’s own answer– and much like activism, there is no score card but simply your own judgement and the change in your surrounding you can invoke that become your barometer. Meet… Continue reading September 7, 2015: After the Lake