Christmas Cookies

Christmas Cookies!

   Last Friday I got Dorothy and did not want to get her out in the hustle and bustle of the Holiday Season, so- I thought we could make cookies.   I figured she would be able to measure out the ingredients without a problem.  Wrong!   She struggled to count out 2 cups of sugar.  I did not make a big deal out of it- why would I?  It’s ok.   So, I went into grandma mode and I responded just like I would to one of my grandsons.  When I’m in this mode with mom I try not let her know I’m treating her like a “little kid”. Sometimes I’m successful and sometimes I’m not- this day I was successful.  Too bad no one was around to videotape it- we could have recorded our first “Cooking with Dementia” video.   I had all the soup bowls out on the counter and the kitchen looked just like a cooking set.

Dorothy was precise and focused -in the moment- while filling the measuring cups to full- then confused- she would ask what she needed to do next.  I was a patient instructor recalling the times in the past when we would make fudge or jelly together.  I must admit, there were a few tears rolling down my cheek- as they are now as I write this.

 It’s interesting how a lived life comes back around- and it’s a good thing that they do- now I have memories of the circle- mom teaching me, us doing it together and me helping her.  

 I finished making the cookies and mom “cleaned up” the mess.  LOL, she did this like a little one would do – not quite clean dishes. LOL   

After the cookies were made, I made us some lunch.  I asked mom if she wanted a cookie for dessert and she said yes, after taking a bite she said to me “These are really good Cheryl, did you make them?”   Sigh. !!!…….  I smiled at her and told her that I did.   

It’s a shame that dementia takes our loved ones to a place we cannot understand.  It sucks!   But, I’m glad I’m able to walk with mom through this journey of hers.  I pray it will be a short walk for her.

Enjoy the cookies in life!

Peace & Love,

Cheryl Doreen