Mom called last night at the normal time- then a few times after that. At 10:30 the phone rings and wakes me up- it’s Dorothy- I answered-to her crying- and saying to me “Cheryl, I don’t know where I am! – where am I?” I spoke to her in a calm voice and told her where she was- she asked me how long she had been there. I did not tell her the truth- that it has almost been a year- I just said, “for a little while”. It took me a minute or two to calm her down- enough for me to feel okay hanging up the phone. I actually broke down- cried for a few minutes- man, that was tough. I was able to fall back asleep because I know she is in a “safe house” and I don’t have to worry about her.
It’s tough. It sucks! It’s okay! All in the same moment. All I can do is be there for her. That’s all any of us can do- we have to figure out how we can be there for them- it’s a total personal decision- and “just do it”!
I honestly don’t know how I would have responded if she was still at home and I’d have gotten a call like that. I’d be on the road headed her way- hoping I’d get there before she fell asleep. Probably not- she would have probably cried herself to sleep- just like she did last night. I don’t know this, but I’m assuming that is what happened- she cried herself to sleep. The good thing is – she doesn’t remember.
Just Breathe!
Peace & Love,
Cheryl Doreen
Dorothy's Dementia 