I went to see Dorothy this morning and she seemed to be doing pretty good. When I called them to tell them I was there- they told me that she was walking the halls with her friend Jean. I told them that Jean could come out too- if she wanted. Shortly afterwards- they both came out- in full masks and eyes bright! (-: It was good to see two friends together and smiling- (even if I couldn’t see their smiles- just the brightness of their eyes). As soon as they sat down, I told them they could take their facemasks off- since they were outside, and they needed to breathe in the fresh air. They were happy to take them right off. Shortly afterwards two other friends joined them- it was interesting they did not have facemasks on. Wonder why? The four of them sat relaxed and calm visiting with each other. I would not say content- because of where they are- but they seemed satisfied. Today seemed to be a good day for all of them.
Sally asked me how my prom was. I had to ask her to repeat the question because I wasn’t sure if I heard her right. I did hear her right. I went back to spring 1974 and the big day. I went with a friend, as I was not dating anyone at the time- George was his name- and he was the perfect gentleman. I described my dress, shoes and hair to them. And finished up with what a wonderful evening it was.
I asked Sally if she remembered her Prom- and she did and was very happy to share. Everyone answered the question with that far forgotten day on their faces and they shared all the details to a tee their faces brightened at the memory of their youth. When it was moms turn to answer- she said she didn’t think she went to the prom. I know that she did not and that it never bothered her – or at least that is what she always told me.
We sat and talked of this and that for a while and all at once they were done talking and everyone was ready to go back in. I asked mom if she wanted to stay and visit and she told me that she did not – she was tired and ready to go back in.
We all had a big air hug and I watched them all walk back into the building. Back into the place no one from the outside can go into anymore.
I will be on the phone tomorrow afternoon- I have not gotten a call from the nurse about any new meds- I left a message last Wednesday. I have not gotten any emails of communication from the facility. Maybe there is none- but I’m going to ask anyway.
I am not going to let this go. And I am not going to be so difficult that they throw mom out- with a standard reason “we can no longer give her the care she wants”. But I do want answers and I do want resolution and I do want to see some of the things I want implemented into the system.
Peace & Love,
Cheryl Doreen
Dorothy's Dementia 