She still loves me.

Grandma and granddaughter.

Another day in the books, and we're still here. Still in the house, still in the kitchen, cooking. Still getting up early to have my quiet time. Most of all, I'm still Sweetie's husband and caregiver. That is my purpose in life right now, a position which I honor. 

From what I've read in the Dementia Family site, I must be very lucky indeed. For Sweetie isn't mean, she can be talked into doing things, she doesn't head for the door every 5 minutes. She enjoys being around me, and as much as I can obtain, she still loves me. 

She wants to help in whatever we are doing. If we are shopping, she wants to help push the cart. If I'm cooking, she is right there at my elbow, watching. If there is something real simple, I'll encourage her to try it. Which last about 30 seconds, and she says she doesn't know what she is doing, and I relieve her of the task. 

After meals, she used to take a towel and dry and put away the dishes. Now, I tell her to wait for me to dry the dishes, and I'll help her put them away. She struggles to remember where each dish or glass goes, so I point her on her in the right direction. When we are done, I give her a hug and tell her what great help she was. Like telling a toddler what a good job they have done. 

One of the things that has become noticeable is her footwear. When she has been sitting for awhile, she starts looking for her flipflops, or slip-ons. Depends on which one she has on, and remembers the other foot apparel. She starts to look around, I have to tell her she is OK, that the others are over there, and they are safe.  She settles down, and in about 10-15 minutes, starts all over again. This is her behavior loop for now. If that is all that I have to go through, I'll be happy. 

In my morning prayer, there is this line, "That I maybe reasonable happy in the this life..." That is what Driver keeps drumming in my head, for this life is just temporary. The next line sums up the waiting. "and supremely happy with You forever in the next." When I stop and look at me life, I am reasonable happy. That should give me the strength to get through today. There is a twinkle in Driver's eye, for He knows that I know, with Him all things are possible as we caravan down the Road to Dementia Town, keeping our Shiny Sides up. C'ya, Luv ya, and God Bless.