Things you and I take for granted are sometimes hard to grasp for a person with dementia. Take this story, “Making sense of time” shared in Finding the JOY in Alzheimer’s.
A month before my father, Martin’s, ninetieth birthday, my husband David and I had the following conversation with him. By this time, he was living with Alzheimer’s disease.
Martin: “What time is it?”
Brenda: “11:40.”
My father appears to be thinking as he looks at me without saying a word.
David takes off his watch to show my father.
Martin tilts his head to focus on David’s watch. David confirms the time: “See, it’s 11:40!”
Martin: “Looks good enough to eat… and then pass through and get rid of.”
David tries to humor my father, and puts the watch in his mouth. Pulling it out, he asks, “Why would I want to eat my watch?”
Martin: “When?”
Such are the JOYS of caring for a loved one with dementia. We had a choice – we could mourn the loss of my father’s abilities or we could celebrate the humor in the smallest things. My father preferred to find the JOY and so did we. It made life as a caregiver much easier.
Wow Brenda. This sounds like conversations that I have almost every day with Marie. Great news that the screening is starting 2nd week in July for the trial that will begin two weeks after that. Can’t wait to see if this really works. 6 million people will be getting relief if it does.
Keep us posted Don…via FB or here.
Thank you for sharing that sweet and funny memory of your father. I agree wholeheartedly. It’s healing to remember the joyful moments! Happy Father’s Day to you and to all your readers! Lynette
Thank YOU, Lynette for sharing your sweet support and gratitude.