As you reflect on the small and simple things in your day, enjoy the pleasant memories that come to life for you again. 

CAREGIVER NOTE:

Confusion and “missing pieces” are becoming a larger issue if yesterday’s repeated conversations are any indication of what is to come. Mom had already gone through this stage when we became her caregivers, so this is new territory for us with Dad. There are some memories that are jumbled up and he’s not able to connect the dots at this point and it’s both frustrating and confusing for him. After a short pause … and a short nap, we spent another couple of hours trying to pull some good memories from his long term memory bank and it was so nice to see the smiles and hear the joy in his voice as he shared a few childhood stories with me later last evening.

We have an appointment this morning with his PCP. It’s an annual check up and I’m sure that the dementia will be part of the discussion as it was part of the concerns listed for this appointment when completing the registration notes on Friday.

There’s a reason they came to mind…. so pause, listen and act upon the impressions. 

but if you must: use this as your mantra for the day. Send the negative thoughts fleeing — take a walk outside today and enjoy the glorious changes you notice as Spring awakens – surely there will be a smile or two that emerge.

It’s all about perspective… 

Nurture the “magic” within.

Be a blessing every day.

Create some fabulous memories today. 

CAREGIVER NOTE:

Make time to listen to the memories. Dementia and Alzheimer’s rob the memories and today may be the last time you hear the story. Drag out the photo albums or memory books. Take time to identify people in the photos. Record stories – record them singing or just talking. There will come a day when you’ll want to hear their voice again….

Help someone see their heart’s worth today.

Tell someone “thank you,” today.

CAREGIVER NOTE:

He’s excited about the prospects of a large vegetable garden and is looking forward to watching things grow and harvesting fresh veggies and some fruits throughout the summer and maybe into the fall months. He’s antsy and wants to go get things going now — but the snow is still covering the ground and the area we’ve picked out to expand the garden needs to thaw another foot down and have lots of TLC before anything can go into the ground. It was fun to see his enthusiasm for a project he has lots of say in. The list for seeds and starts is long! Hoping there will be room for everything he wants to plant! There are plans to pick up some additional seeds this coming weekend — and made plans to pick up the starts from the garden center later this month or early next month. Here’s hoping the weather cooperates and the ground thaws and we can get the prep work done – for a successful growing season that will keep him busy and happy!