It’s been some time since I have been here to make an update to our situation. So many things going on and life happening, I guess.
First, a trip to Japan to visit the kids and grandkids which was great fun and a much-needed diversion. Marv did just fine while I was gone for three weeks and even though he was glad to see me, didn’t seem to think it had been a long time.
Since returning there have been a bunch of doctor appointments, teeth cleaning, toenail clipping at the podiatrist, and regular check-up with his PC Physician. All things are good so we have reached a nice plateau and holding steady again for a bit.
A new resident has moved in and she is a great addition. She is 93 and really a pleasant person. She apparently had some health issue and must be on oxygen always but she trots around with her long oxygen hose like it was no problem at all. She will get up from a chair or the couch carefully but then take off at a pretty fast clip. It reminds me of those little wind up toys. When I come in, both she and Irene have a lot to talk about with me. I’m glad they have each other for companionship and mental stimulation.
So it is the Christmas Holidays and I find myself wanting to be more and more with Marv and enjoy this phase of childlike pleasure with everything. I opened a Dove chocolate recently, the ones that have a little saying on the wrapper, and it said “Give the gift of your time.” Yesterday, I did just that. Robin and I took Marv to the mall for shopping but I just hung out with Marv while she got some last-minute things. We watched the little kids waiting for Santa and in the bookstore. Marv was delighted with every child and would point them out to me and coo over how cute. He laughed and we laughed and generally just had a great time. Without the urgency to find things to purchase, the people and activity, sounds and smells, made for a pretty enjoyable time.
Back at the home, when I laid him down for his nap he wanted me to lay by him. So I made myself relax and stay there for a bit, enjoying the comfort of him patting my back and repeating over and over, “I love you” as he tried to stay awake to be with me. Soon he couldn’t keep awake any longer and as he was sound asleep, I slipped away to make the drive back in the snow.
See ya next time.
I loved this : “So it is the Christmas Holidays and I find myself wanting to be more and more with Marv and enjoy this phase of childlike pleasure with everything.”
I can relate! I’ve been doing more than usual visiting lately, and really enjoying being with all the residents- not just Mom. It’s really refreshing to be around people who have no agenda, who are just their bare, true, vulnerable selves. I don’t want to romanticize dementia, but I do enjoy them.
Margaret, I’m glad to know that someone else gets it. I’m glad you are finding pleasure in all of your new family. Have a great holiday and enjoy the moments! Give your mom a hug from Marv and I.