Dementia: A cruel teacher.

Sweetie on Hawaii, shopping.

Dementia, what a teacher it is for those of us who are caregivers. Sweetie maybe like a toddler, in many ways she is not. Dementia has taught me that and many more things about myself. It has been all through the caring for Sweetie, and these are also lessons that I would of never learned if it wasn't for Dementia. 

Yesterday, in one of my meetings, the subject was ego, self centeredness and how it drives us. As it turns out, those lessons that I learned earlier were just pre-school for what was to come. Dementia is a cruel teacher for the caregiver. The only graduation comes when your ward is no more. It has taught me that control is truly a vapor, a figment of my imagination. If Dementia doesn't want to do something, you cannot force it to do it. 

Yesterday, Sweetie had messed her pullups and it was very messy. So, it was a shower time. As I got her ready for the shower, she wanted me to get in with her, and she wouldn't have it any other way. No matter how I tried, she just wouldn't budge. So, into the shower I went, and then trying to wash her private areas was another battle. Slowly, oh so slowly, was I able to get soap and water there and slowly wash her. She would complain about it hurt, so I had to be extra gentle, but we did get the job done. 

I've, all by accident, put in a paper towel dispenser in the bathroom. It is one of the best ideas I've come up with. When time comes to dry her off, I'll give her some paper towels to dry off her privates. So, if anything is still there, it doesn't mean I have to wash another bath towel, and because it is damp and soft, it is easier to finish any clean up necessary. Here was a lesson, a pop quiz and Easter Egg all rolled into one. 

Just another reason to be off with my Driver. He is the one who really has all the control and everyday I'm learning that more and more. I know today will be day of learning. Never a dull moment with my Driver. He is there, never blaming, never condemning, just smiling and encouraging. Now we're off for another day trip down the Road to Dementia Town. I'm wearing my cool sunglasses, my Driver is smiling, and as always, Keeping our Shiny Side Up. Are you learning that control with Dementia will never happen? If you are, then you too can drive with your Shiny Side Up, too. Love Ya, God Bless.