Dorothy’s Dementia

One of Dorothy’s Great-grandsons turned 7 the other day and she rode with me to the party.   You never know what you are going to get when you attend an outing like this with lots of people.  It was a party with that included other 7-year old’s, older kids and adults- some of which she knew and others she did not.   

When we arrived there was “fun” happening everywhere- so I placed her in the “safe” zone with people she knew and out of the way.  

I left her alone, knowing that she was in good company and enjoyed the party.   Eventually, she wondered over to a table where Paul was sitting with some other folks she knew.   I stayed out of site and out of her way.  I was surprised to see her adjust so well to the environment. I heard that she did say in conversation a few “better left unsaid” things, but everyone knowing her situation- just let it slide off their backs.  They said that at times she was normal but mostly just there. 

She enjoyed the day and after 5 hours (it was an outside party- which is easier for her to adjust) she was ready to go home.  We said goodbye to everyone and when we were in the car- she caught site of someone who she had been sitting with for several hours.  She turned to me and said is that “Norm?”  I said yes, and she said, “well– I did not know that he was here- I did not get the chance to talk to him”- “was he here the entire time”.  

I breathed in deep wondering how I should answer- finally, I told her that he had been there the entire time and that spoke. She didn’t say anything else about that- but turned to me and asked “where have we been?”  

I told her how we had spent the last several hours and told her we had a great time.  “Cheryl, why don’t I remember that?”  I responded with “I don’t know mom- “she then said – I only live in the moment these days Cheryl.  And that’s ok.

I turned Sirius radio to Willie Nelson- The Roadhouse- pulled out of the parking spot and we rode all the way home- peacefully.

Peace & Love,

Cheryl Doreen

6/3/17