Recognize the difference.
CAREGIVER NOTE:
New day – new fixations. Lots of anger over a not perfect shave and haircut at the barbershop last evening. That set off the trail of ups and downs, not the best of dreams and opened a can of “worries” overnight. Sure hoping he’s worked through a bit of it in the past couple of hours while he has been sleeping.
Focus on this moment and take the next step forward.
CAREGIVER NOTES:
Fixations — up during the night wondering why it was dark and was certain we had let him miss his appointment for a haircut.
His balance has improved some which is good and he is somewhat able to take care of some personal hygiene a little better at the moment. PT evaluation on Friday for progress and to make sure he can continue for another 6 week cycle to help build the muscle around the hip which is still very atrophied. He’s really hoping to dump “George” (his walker), which according to one dr was not sounding like it would be a possibility. We’ll see what the hip surgeon says next week.
It’s time for a do-over! Start fresh now.
You need to believe…… in you.
CAREGIVER NOTE:
Still figuring a few things out.. and hoping we’re making some headway in creating new options and maintaining safe boundaries.
Be deliberate in the choices that bring about change.
CAREGIVER NOTE:
Much better day and night. Much quieter, and not quite so anxious. Thankfully, there was not a repeat of the night before. No bad dreams overnight. He was pretty reserved and the dreams were enough to scare him and not want to go to bed last night. I let him share his concerns and worries. The suggestion I shared for help moving past the dream, seemed to work last night.
He is enjoying his flower garden and the new blooms he sees along the drive and his chore of watering them is something he looks forward to. Now if the birds would come to his feeder, I think he’ll be even more content until his dog comes home for good in late September.
Set aside some daily “self-care” time.
When things are a bit “prickly,” look for the good stuff going on around you.
CAREGIVER NOTE:
He likes his new job. Watering all the plants along the drive. He planted 3 new posts in raised planter box and made sure everything was moist. We have two more pots to get planted – but they need a shadier spot. And we started a hydroponic salad garden last evening. He’s anxious to see how that turns out. Bird feeder is up and he can see it from the window by his chair. Now, to wait for the birds to find it.
Listen to your heart and take the first step towards a new goal.
Make the most of each new beginning.
CAREGIVER NOTE:
Yesterday was certainly one for the books – it was a day filled with laughter and a few tears. Some deep breathing too. We’ve had the same conversation over the last week and a half. He’s thinking that he should be able to drive – however, there are a multitude of reasons why he shouldn’t. Yesterday during one of our more light hearted conversations about the subject, he stated that “90 year olds shouldn’t drive. And I’m 70, so that doesn’t apply to me.” Ummm, not quite, I said. What year were you born? He replied with the correct year. What year is it now? He answered. Yep, I said, if you subtract 1932 from 2022 you’ll get your age. “That can’t be!” was his answer! “How did I get that old? I can’t be 90! It’s impossible.”
We’ll leave this here for now, but the story isn’t done yet.
Find a little bit of heaven today.
Greatitudes 