Find your joy and sit with it a while.

CAREGIVER NOTE:

Look for the moments you can celebrate throughout the day that give them opportunities to see their worth and value. Moments where they are sharing, being caring, laughing, contributing, helping, smiling, laughing, etc. Catching a moment can often make the difference between a good day and a bad day for the entire household.

Today’s a good day to make note of your blessings.

CAREGIVER NOTE:

No sundowning yesterday. Very grateful. The day ended on a good note and he’s slept pretty well for the last couple of days. He does wake up and check his watch for the time, but is not getting out of bed until morning. 

Then…..Look for the miracles throughout your day.

CAREGIVER NOTE:

the joy that brings life to his eyes happened again last evening. Two of his great grandchildren came for a visit. The older of the two is intrigued by the “toys” near his lift chair. It was fun to watch the two of them interact and keep everything moving for a while. The baby is six months old and grasped his finger when offered and he was thrilled about that. He talked with her and shared a nursery rhyme and a couple of songs he remembered from his past — we’ve heard them before, but I doubt the baby had. It was a very enjoyable evening and he was “done in” pretty early…. but was willing to hold out for a while longer until his normal bedtime. 

it’s an “I can” sort of day. 

CAREGIVER NOTE:

The holes in his memory are becoming much larger. It’s often quite difficult to watch and be a participant in those moments. Reframing just isn’t possible sometimes - and neither is trying to move around or beyond the moment that is causing such angst for him. At some point during the late hours he finally decided he couldn’t change it — all of the parties that were involved had died years ago and nothing can change the outcome. I’m grateful that he doesn’t explode or try to hurt himself or me when he can’t get the answer he’s looking for or the outcome he perceives he should have – like making a phone call to sort things out with a long deceased family member. It hurts both of us and I can see the emotions welling up as things become a little clearer as he works through it. He won’t remember what happened last night today, and we’ll likely revisit the same “problem” again today or tonight…. at least I know deep down, we can get through it and he’s got a safe place to do so. 

366 opportunities for fresh starts.