Burt really perked up during a visit this week. Our guest was someone we’ve known for many years; Burt didn’t remember him but he was a happier guy than he’d been in awhile. He even made an effort to get out of bed to go to his recliner. He told jokes. Visits break up theContinue reading “A Welcome Visitor”
Category Archives: Enjoyments
Caring. Day in/day out.
My role as caregiver is certainly not an easy job. I am not saying this out of self-congratulations or pity. I try not to allow it to limit or overwhelm me. In order to, you know, keep on keeping on, I have to stay strong and centered. Burt has often told me not to getContinue reading “Caring. Day in/day out.”
Foodie
Sometimes, something just predisposes us to enjoy a food. Cooking has been pretty much out of my vocabulary for quite a while. My favorite “meals” lately have involved some measure of yogurt, usually with nuts, fruit, and granola. (No hot food, so maybe that was what predisposed me.) I mix a breakfast cereal mush forContinue reading “Foodie”
A birthday surprise
“I am never going here with you again,” Burt whispers. Maybe he even said “anywhere with you,” but you get the gist. It was a wonderful party. Our friends brought him thoughtful gifts. At my suggestion, we sang him the birthday song. (Do we still owe someone royalties on that?) The first arrivals talked amongContinue reading “A birthday surprise”
Surprise
Have you noticed what a handy tool the calendar is? We share so much by pointing to it. Look, over here, come Thursday, it’s your birthday. Burt is no longer able to keep order in the days, the months, or the dates. Recently, on a phone confirmation, he wasn’t able to assure the caller ofContinue reading “Surprise”
Management
Most nights, I’ve been going to bed at 8 o’clock since I can never be sure if Burt will awake in the middle of the night. We’ve had several 4am chatfests. I am generally bone tired by 8 from keeping farmer’s hours. I awake early, thanks to going to bed early. It’s a cycle. SleepContinue reading “Management”
Clean jean
There are many different kinds of optimism to sustain us. White pants are the one variety that I am sporting. For instance, I am expecting not to be covered with stains but am also planning a trip for ice cream today. I had been feeding Burt to spur his eating. I know it’s better toContinue reading “Clean jean”
Superstitious
I am not a believer. I am an atheist. Without a religious allegiance or a belief in a god or an afterlife, you would think I would be free from all other superstitions. In fact, I inherited much of my magical thinking from my mother. She, too, disdained religion, but lord she had a worldContinue reading “Superstitious”
Funny you should ask
There is nothing funny about having dementia or caring for a loved one with dementia. Yet there is nothing more welcome to patient or carer than a hearty laugh. I devise amusing (to me) ways of looking at our plight. I picture Lewy as a roller-coaster (as it is most regularly described) on and offContinue reading “Funny you should ask”
You are invited
This is a Save-the-Date Burt turns 85 this November. He had a downturn. Then, the Lewy roller coaster started back up the hill. Sure, there’s a new baseline that has him looking less like the coherent engaged Burton of 2023, but…. Today, he showed gratitude along with his affection. He’s interested in people and activities.Continue reading “You are invited”
this is our life 