It’s the weekend! Everyone loves the weekend- except old folks in old folks’ homes- the days just run together. And they really don’t have anything exciting to look forward to. They are out of their comfort zone and confused and mad. I hope I do not end up the same way- but I’m pretty sure I will. (-:
Paul and I went on Saturday to visit mom- she was sitting outside when we pulled up. She recognized us and smiled big. She was sitting by herself and we sat down beside her for a visit. I had brought her clean laundry and decided to go ahead and take it to her room and get the dirty ones and change her sheets. When I walked into her room I was met with the “old peoples smell” I couldn’t believe it- you know the smell I’m talking about- it’s as noticeable as a new born baby’s smell. I was literally heartbroken- I knew this smell was inevitable- but I wasn’t prepared for it. Sigh! I cleaned up her room, gathered her clothes- which she had hung in the strangest places- and put clean sheets on her bed. I’m sure I will stop doing this routine now that she cannot do it with me. But-I’ll hang on to it for a while.
I went back outside, and I asked her to show me the new sidewalk that goes around the building. It’s actually a great walk- it’s not complete- it’s work in progress – but it will be very nice to go visit her and take her for a walk. The back and one side look out over the woods and it will be very nice to sit there this fall and watch the trees change. There is a garden back in the back courtyard that has been unattended for several years. If mom is doing good next spring, I will go purchase some flowers and maybe a tomato plant or two and we can work on the garden when I visit. The days of taking her out and about will be fewer and farther between.
Maybe I can convince some of moms’ friends to go on a walk or help with the garden. Or maybe it’s too late. Either way it goes, I’m ok with it- I know I’ve done all I can for Dorothy.
Life is good!
Love and Light!
Cheryl Doreen
Dorothy's Dementia 