Hello and Happy Day!
Today was a rough day- Mom (Dorothy) started calling me at noon- 12:15 to be exact. Which is unusual- usually she only calls me at 6:15- after dinner when the sun is going down- she also has Sun Downers- which is very tough on her. When she does call me this early in the day, I take a deep breath and I remain calm – I know what’s coming.
She is always confused, frustrated and angry. I always answer in a positive, upbeat, cheerful voice- “ What’s up mom?, Is everything ok? she always answers back- “No, Cheryl “- in a bitter and sad tone- (the voice is an amazing gift – it can tell a story just by the tone-don’t ever take it for granted)” – everything is not alright”- “I need your help in getting me back to my house”. I always respond with “Why mom, what happened”? and the record begins. And tomorrow it will be the same song- but hopefully she will not call until 6:15- which would be good news- it would mean she has had a good day.
I can remember my first 45 RPM, The Rolling Stones- side 1-Get off of my Cloud and side 2- I’m Free. I can remember listening to it over and over and over again, from the small portable record player. I’d listen for hours until I had each word embedded into my memory bank -then play it again and again and again -singing along like I was part of the band.
Someday I hope to look back- and smile at the memory of this time we are sharing- Dorothy’s song- I hope to be able to laugh and not cry. I’m glad I’m here for her – she needs someone who will just listen and let her know she is not alone. Isn’t that what we are all looking for? Someone to listen.
Peace & Love,
Cheryl Doreen
Dorothy's Dementia 