Seek the beauty in the world around you today. 

CAREGIVER NOTE:
It seems that he’s still hung up on a few events from his past. Another flurry of conversations regarding a document and thoughts that there’s just something that’s not quite right. He did tell another part of the longer story around the main event, and he does have all those details correct. He’s still thinking it happened just a few day ago. He can’t seem to grasp that it happened 50+ years ago and everyone associated with the event is as old or older than he is and wouldn’t have much recollection of that specific moment any longer.

We did make a quick trip to the dr’s office for a possible UTI, but that has been initially ruled out. Still waiting on the culture results. He has an ultrasound scheduled for Tuesday to check for a blockage and a referral to a urologist here in the area (this has been a problem previously). We’ve requested copies of his records from the doctor he saw last year so we can get those into his records here. The dr was really sweet with Dad and he appreciated her thoughtfulness and kindness while he was in the office.

Find peace in the pause today.

CAREGIVER NOTE:

We used some muscles we hadn’t used in a while the other day while building that plow in the garage. He’s sore and finally admitting it! He had us both laughing pretty hard as he talked about his “sitter” being sore and his steps a little slower during our walk. He couldn’t imagine that our “hard work” was causing so much discomfort especially since it was only 5 minutes of kneeling and such…. HAHA! It was more like 90 minutes! At any rate, to see the twinkle in his eye, hear him chuckle about his “sitter” and watch him be a little more careful in his walk, made the day a little brighter.

Every day is a gift….  

CAREGIVER NOTE:

It’s been a very challenging week. Mixed up memories – lots of “how can that be” moments. His yesterday was over 50 years ago. His last retirement was just moments ago and then, he raises the questions, asks for the current date.. can’t fathom the passage of time or the loss of friends and family when he can’t call and talk to them. He tells me often of visits and conversations he’s had with one or more family members who have passed away 15 or more years ago and how real they are. During more lucid moments, he knows things are mixed up and he recognizes that his memories are muddied up a bit.

The gift for this week is that he is still finding some good in every day — recognizing the blessings of having such an incredible life, a family that loves him and many wonderful and fulfilling memories that are still a part of his memory banks and a wonderful posterity to leave them with.

Be a believer in you.

CAREGIVER NOTE:
Dementia is taking a tighter hold. It’s been a crazy week of ups and downs. Good days and bad. Lots of conversations. Finding details, dates and such. Grateful for the moments when you can see connections being made, even if it’s momentary and you know you’ll be repeating the information again and again — at least he isn’t ready to throw in the towel, yet. Today will be a good day, regardless.

Speak well….

See the beauty in everyday miracles.

Fill your day with the “wonder” that surrounds you.

Have compassion for yourself and others. 

Even though our days are jam-packed, it might be good to add these to our to-do list as well.

Look for opportunities to….