CAREGIVER NOTE:

He was all smiles as family members from around the state arrived for the family reunion at one of our local parks. He enjoyed spending time with them for several hours. We brought him home a little early as he was getting a bit anxious and using the restroom facilities at the park weren’t comfortable for him to use. It took a couple of hours for him to settle in back at home… he did a lot of pacing between the bathroom, his room and the living room, but he did settle in and went to bed just before 8.

We didn’t take any family group pictures yesterday, but one of the grandchildren caught some candids of everyone who dropped in and spent some time. It was a delightful day and we’re very thankful for all the help and support in making it happen.

CAREGIVER NOTES:

He noticed the calendar date on his clock yesterday — he realized his birthday is close. He asked how old he would be and kind of shut down. He as been a little more depressed the last few days — but I was linking that to his reminiscing and wanting to talk to family members who had already passed on. I invite him to share a story or memory with me and that often cheers him up. We’ve talked about his Mom’s garden quite a bit lately — he has lots of fond memories of seeing her work in the garden and helping there. That’s probably where he gained his “green” thumb and started building his own skills for his 1/4 acre garden we remember. Our kids remember shelling peas and snapping beans on the living room floor; helping to dig potatoes and pulling weeds.

We’re hoping that his upcoming birthday bash will bring him some joy.

CAREGIVER NOTE:

He did pretty well yesterday — no sundowning and was up later than his norm. We’re going to have to find another nighttime aid med that won’t cause dizziness the day after. Melatonin worked fine with helping him sleep, however, the daytime dizziness is becoming worrisome and definitely increases the chance of a fall. Calling the dr. tomorrow for some additional suggestions.

CAREGIVER NOTE:
We’re having a “small” family gathering this evening to honor him and our sons for Father’s Day. I hope he’ll enjoy the laughter and time together – at least for a little while. It shouldn’t be too hot nor too chilly for him to spend a little time outside with the “guys” and maybe share a story or too. He had no preferences for a gift — and he really doesn’t need much of anything, so we did get him a pie. A cherry pie. It’s definitely his preference for desserts when he asks.

He did get “lost” in the house a couple of times yesterday. Couldn’t find the bathroom or his bedroom. Thankfully, he was still in good spirits and not angry about this…. he even smiled when we teased him about letting the walker “show him the way,” but still refusing to use his temporary handrail and preferring “a pretty girl” to lead the way….

PS: He has enjoyed using the iPad for his Facetime calls. He can see the caller more easily and interacts a little better as well. Now, I just have to show him how to use the easel backing on the cover when he’s sitting at the table and has a hard surface to set it on.

Savor the moments of happiness you experience in each and every day.

CAREGIVER NOTE:

The time to watch the corn grow has arrived. We all laughed when we asked if it would grow taller than the fence again since it’s only about 4 inches high at the moment and how long it would take. He’s ready for fresh corn on the cob from the garden now! I will need to set up another sitting area by the peach tree again for him. He really enjoyed sitting there last year in the shade during the afternoon – watching clouds in the sky, birds flying to the feeders, and noticing how much the corn had grown overnight and the moment it was taller than the fence and the tassels turned brown he was very happy!