Is Anybody Walking In An Alzheimer's Walk?

Post Crab Post

Hey, y'all. The crab feast was a lot of fun. I'm glad it all worked out, in spite of the heat, and I'm glad we could all be there, minus a few off-sprinkles here and there. It is always nice to see Angie and her boys; we get to see so little of them. Thank you, Michael, for the crab treat. And thank you, Quinn and Tod, for hosting. And thank you, Matt, for thinking of the fan. And thanks to all, for the treats (beer, salads, desserts, etc) you brought to the table. And thank you, sisters, for the thoughtful birthday cards, including the artwork. I'll be hanging on to them. Can someone email me a family photo? (Preferably one that shows me with only one chin, where at least 1/2 of me is hidden behind someone else, and looking taller than the two sisters I'm supposed to look taller than. Thank you!)

LFttKKP,

Megan

Good day / bad day

A day of high highs and low lows visiting Mom today. I was late and only made it there for the end of happy hour and singing. That meant I was too late to get any cookies at the reception. :( Mom was clearly enjoying herself and chatting with Joan. She seemed to see me across the room and smile but that could mean anything.  Mom spoke several sentences clearly and some even included all real words. She put her hand on Joan's shoulder and said "this lady is coming with us"!  Where? I don't know and the look of surprise on Joan's face must have matched mine. Mom also said "Jim was supposed to blah blah". After I made a smart-ass comment, she suddenly turned with a typical disapproving look and said "oh, Michael". It took me several seconds before it hit me that she said my name but I do also realize that it was just a throw-away quote rather than she really knew it was me. She just associates me with smart-ass comments, I guess.

Every step down to dinner seemed to take her down a notch though. She sat with Teresa and seemed to argue with her a bunch. She spilled her drink seconds after getting it. She also would not let me help with anything and it was painful for me to watch her eating mac & cheese, salad and stewed tomatoes with her fingers. When I said she would not get dessert unless she ate everything, she took her napkin and covered her plate. It looked like it was all going to end up in her lap and she was getting angry with me so I left. Hmmmmm... Good day / bad day. 

Happy Birthday to Leland, today!

I just called Leland at 9:30 p.m. and she wasn't asleep yet. Good to know that she is as young and vital as ever. Bodes well for the rest of us.

The first few days back

So far, Melanie and I have been running, shopping, visiting Mom everyday and trying to beat jet lag. We had dinner with my favorite sister on Friday night (Megan bribed me to say that) and went antiquing with Leland and Megan today. We also had brunch with Rebecca & Alex on Saturday.

The visits with Mom are always eventful. Physically, she has degraded a good bit since December but, to me, she she seems more lucid most of the time. At dinner tonight I understood what she was trying to say most of the time and it was usually on point. The other characters in the place though, could be the fodder for a great novel. John Shock definitely stands out as not belonging in there. We had a long conversation this evening and he remembered most of what we talked about yesterday. He only forgot which country we were living in. He said he would be VERY happy if any of you stopped in to chat with him when you visited Mom. Magazines like old National Geographics, would also be nice. Dr. Morrison is also worth having a chat with. Just don't mention the locks on the outside doors or the singing abilities of the inmates. Tony went from calling me an SOB and a bastard on Friday to being a good buddy today. The happy pills have taken effect and he can be pretty funny, in an Oscar Madison kind of way. Shirley (Greg's Mom) is as sweet as can be. At least when she is not feeling me up. All of the guests thought is was odd when John went outside and stripped to his boxers. I don't think they knew just how hot it was out there. It's a good thing they bribe visitors with cookies.

Those are my random thoughts so far. We're going up to Carlisle tomorrow around noon and will return Tuesday afternoon. We're planning to be at the swim meet on Wednesday night. Other than that, we're trying to meet up with everyone.

Happy Birthday, Big Bro

(Although no one reads this any more. Don't make me do Facebook, please.)

Have a great day, Danny. Thanks for all you do.

Happy 4th, Everyone

Heading to the mountains. Have a nice and safe holiday. Let me know after M&M arrive how the crab feast plans develop.