CAREGIVER NOTE:

The drive to the old homestead went much better than planned. Two of his sons were there to help him navigate some pretty large feelings and get through some of the other tasks that were needed for the day. He got to visit with an old friend and close neighbor for a little while and then visit one of his favorite eating spots. Lots of good memories and additional ones made with the two sons that accompanied him. I’m not sure how things are going to roll out today after the guys leave to head back home, but hopefully the initial plans will work.

He’s pretty proud of the garden. He loves to sit in the evening shade of the fruit trees and watch it grow. He’s noticed the height of the cornstalks and that most of them are beginning to tassle out. He’s found squash, pumpkins and more growing on the vines and is looking forward to our cutting the first cabbage out of the patch. Last evening, we also found the first of the slicing tomatoes turning colors and a few onions that are just about ready to pull. He loves the daily changes and makes sure we take note of them too.

CAREGIVER NOTE:

Kindness goes a long way… even on a not so good sort of day. We’ve had quite a few of those lately. Lots of sundowning and hallucinations the last 2 weeks or so. He swears he’s done walk throughs of the old house — fixed problems and more.

Grateful for the garden. He is enjoying it and goes out every afternoon to “watch it grow” and marvel at the ever so slight and bigger changes he does notice. He’s very happy with the garden — hoping it will keep him happy for a while longer — or until he can harvest at least one of the cabbages that are growing in the garden.

CAREGIVER NOTE:

Laugh! It helps make everything better. It was fun to watch the chuckles as he reviewed what had just transpired. The smile was big… no anger at the mistake or mess-up. Decided eating another meal would fix it all up and he’d be good to go back to bed for the remainder of the night.

better than best sort of day.

CAREGIVER NOTE:

The shuffle is becoming a little more obvious and he’s holding on to the furniture and wall as he walks to the bedroom now. His gait is much slower as well. His balance is a little more off, but he’s refusing to use the walker in the house, though he will accept using his “friend” when he goes to doctor’s appointments or on other excursions.

Hang in there…..

CAREGIVER NOTE:

Even on the tough days, remember to BREATHE! Putting things back into perspective may be difficult, but as a caregiver, you’re there as a support and guide to a journey that will likely take twists and turns no one ever expected. It’s one step at a time — one moment and then the next. Hang in there. You’re not alone!

Be a blessing.

Envision the gifts of your dreams and make them come true.