Darkness of Dementia.

Friends forever.

She had a smile that would light up the room. It is still there, I still see it. It isn't the same. Before, her smile was full of life, of joy, of the certainty of a strong woman. Now it is still there and I know it is just a facade, a keeping up a good impression. For inside, the life, the light, the humor is being pulled away into the darkness of Dementia. 

We are in shutdown for the next two weeks. That puts us into a scramble of what to do with Sweetie, and new routine needs to be established. What are my options? As I mentioned before, walking the neighborhood is now on the table, and we have already established that and did some walking yesterday. What else is available? 

Disk golf. Our son is into it, and I've gone with him accouple of times, and I was rewarded with a 3 disk starter set for Christmas. No better time like the present to put them to use. There are disk courses in the parks around town. It does us both some good. I throw and we walk. 

Our first outing was yesterday, the course was difficult to figure out, so we played a few holes and left. Going to try it again today. After talking with our son and finding out that he's off on Friday and is eager to join us. He told me about some easier course around town. We are going to try one today, and join him on Friday for a round. Knowing him, he will be bringing at least one of his sons with him. It will be a small family outing. Beats sitting and watching TV. 

I took Sweetie on a walk around the neighborhood yesterday. It was more than she was used to. Towards the end, she wouldn't hold my hand, and that is trouble. I was able to get her home, and she went to bed for a nap. It looks like I have to plan better. She seems to like walking outside better than walking in the mall, so I think a greater distance will help her, and me, use up the stored energy from your non activity. Which will help her sleep, and hopefully, increase her appetite. All in all, I have to say we had a pleasant day. I'm going to see if I can copy it today. 

She is becoming more and more resistant of getting into the shower, I haven't given up yet. Gave her a wet wipe pit cleaning yesterday morning so if nothing else, those will work for a time. Next time I try some better timing. Mainly after I give her her balance medicine and lotion. When it takes affect, then try the shower again. 

"Work with me" he said. That's my Driver's advice. "When it is dark, I have a light for you to use, to light up your path". It is a way of guidance and trust. For the light doesn't show all the path, just the next step, to make it through each day, step by step. Learn not to fear that which I cannot see, for if I fear, I'll turn away from the light. Like water over the rock, it is smoothing out the edges, as we go. Traveling down the Road to Dementia Town, Driver, you and me. Keeping our Shiny Side Up. C'ya, Luv ya, and God Bless.