The Monster Dementia

My Sweetie, oh what was stolen from us. 

Living with Dementia is a challenge and heartbreaking at the same time. Just when you think you can anticipate just what is going to happen, Dementia will come and pull the carpet right out from under you. My whole day is like that. I never know when the canyon of Dementia will suddenly appear. At those moments, I wonder if Sweetie is looking for an opening in the guardrail so she can drive us off the road and into the canyon of despair. 

As for the day, we had a fairly good one, walks that got us out of the house, time sitting in the backyard, watching the birds. A normal day, as normal can get. We had a good day. I've noticed that when we are on our walks that if Sweetie can talk to some of the people we meet, it has a good effect on her. Like she has done something good, a purpose fulfilled. On our afternoon walk, we met a lady and her grandchild. The child was mentally challenged and she is on chemo. We spent some time talking about our special ones, and how we are coping with being caregivers. It was good for me and I think for her. Even though our Love Ones are different, the same compassion is there so we could relate, and I was refreshed. 

I didn't know how much I would need this refreshing until last night. Instead of our normal evening, wanting to go to bed early, she was restless and had to be coxed up to the bed room. Just when we were about to go to sleep, she was up and moving. Grabbing a pair of pants, beating her to the door and wouldn't let her outside. She tore into me, and the monster Dementia came out with full force. As I tracked her around the house and out into the backyard knowing she couldn't get out and terrorize the neighborhood. She just bounced from place to place and finally went to bed in the guest room. Later, I was able to encourage her to come back upstairs. What a night. 

These are the mornings that I look forward to. Sitting here with praise and worship music on, pouring my heart out, and my Driver coming beside me, letting me know, that I'm doing OK. These are the mornings that my Driver knows I need encouragement and I know I'll get it as we talk on our drive to Dementia Town. I might even doze off as we go. Driver doesn't mind it, for I know I'm safe and secure with Him at the wheel. I know that He will keep me safe as we head down the Road to Dementia Town, Keeping our Shiny Side Up. How's it going with you? Need some time alone with your Driver? Or just give your Driver all your problems you go down the road, Keeping your Shiny Side Up.