give thanks

every moment…

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.

Add them up

Name a few of the small joys today.  Betting you’ll discover one or more of the big ones along the way.  

CAREGIVER NOTE:
We found it much easier to reframe and distract over the weekend. The fixation has lessened a little. Fingers crossed things will be a little smoother this week in that respect.

kindness

Choose kindness always. It’s something that can get us through most circumstances.

CAREGIVER NOTE:
It’s been another long night. Fixation on a “problem” and there’s no getting around it despite reframing, changing subjects and more. Hoping today will be a better day and we’ll be able to get a different perspective on things.

inside / outside

You’ve got this! 

CAREGIVER NOTE:

Being stubborn is just part of his nature… I do wish he could come to terms with the fact that he can’t go back to the homestead and he’s here to stay for the long term. I’m really hoping we won’t have another meltdown today – when he can’t have the keys to the truck or no one is available to drive him. Last time was miserable and the house was cleared last weekend in preparation for sale. He’s told the boys to sell it.

pathways

It’s not always possible, but always do your best to stay on the positive path.

CAREGIVER NOTE: Major meltdown/crash yesterday afternoon. It could have been uglier, but thankfully, it wasn’t. Most of the agitation was gone after a 5 hour ride. But still wasn’t happy or feeling that the “problem” was resolved. Same issue we’ve been dealing the past couple of weeks. Good spirits later in the evening and even some joking.