It’s not funny! Well, as a matter of fact, it is! Caregiving can be so intense at times, we’ll crack, if we don’t crack up. Caring for a loved one with dementia; in my case, my father with Alzheimer’s, made for some challenging times, requiring fortitude with a sense of humor.
“Where’s Mardig,” I asked my husband.
“I thought you were looking after him,” he replied.
Just then the phone rang. It was the neighbor telling me my father was outside in the street, yelling.
Aha, he snuck out the front door without us knowing. I ran out to find my father pacing our cul-de-sac, screaming: Help! They’re holding me prisoner! Heeelllp! I’m being held hostage!
I wanted to run back in the house and lock the door.
But wait, I couldn’t just leave him there!
Could I?
I calmed my nerves and walked out to the street. Looking sheepishly for any signs of neighbors peering through windows, I approached my father with a smile. He smiled awkwardly. I asked him if he wanted to come with me. Fortunately, he recognized me as an ally and accompanied me, inside.
PHEW!
I had some explaining to do after that. Visiting a dozen neighbors with a picture of my father, I described the best I could the adventures of caring for one who lives with dementia.
I agree Brenda, even though they can give you fits and frustration. They also give you moments of joy.
The night my honey beckoned me to her wheelchair and told me to never forget that she loved me and appreciated everything I had done for her, I cried I was so happy that she recognized me. Oh to have my Marie back with me.
Placing flowers on her grave Wednesday gave me such a great feeling. I left a penny on the headstone. When I retired on Fridayto replace the flag that disappeared I found out the deer had a meal on the flowers but the penny was still there.
Life will never be the same but Rosemarie has helped me cope.
Don, your late wife, Marie, was such a treasure in your life.
And today, you are fortunate to have another valued treasure in Rosemarie.