Last post for the year 2020.

My favorite Picture of us.

Hawaii, '17

I wanted to end the year with my favorite picture with a special time. July, 3, 2017. I had just retired, and planned this trip home for her. 

Sweetie's dad was career Navy and her best times were in Hawaii. That is where she considered home. So many good memories for her, and when we had been her 15 years ago, she would go on and on about her life on the island. I wanted her to have one more return to the home of her memories. 

Alas, she couldn't remember anymore. We tried to find her house where she was raised in, and could not. We did find Maili beach, where she swam, that was about it. I have this picture of us on the mantle and it doesn't bring any memories back to her. I am the Keeper of Memories for her. A title I bear well. 

I was talking to an old friend yesterday, when we were interrupted by Sweetie coming down unexpected. Told her who I was on the phone with, and she said "Hi." He has known Sweetie longer then I have, so you know we have known each other for a life time. He told me that he had lost his oldest son to cancer, and that was a heart breaker. I told Sweetie about his passing, and she teared up. Death of a love one still brings forth emotions, even if she doesn't remember who the person is. 

Took a drive up to the crest of the Sandia's yesterday. It seemed like a good idea, walk the mall, then a drive. She seemed to like it. As we neared the crest, there was snow on the ground and we watched kids sledding down the hills, and folks having a snow day. 

What I didn't count on, was the mountain road causing Sweetie stress. She was never a good twisty road passenger, and I should of known that. We have driven the road many a times, and she was always good. This time, I think her Dementia got the best of her. She seemed fine going and coming, but when she was out of the car, it was different. Wandering around the house, wanting to get out, did get out, had to shepherd her back into the house. On and on until she worked through her stress. She was able to finish the evening relaxed and on the couch. 

Just as a side note. While we were at the mall, Bath and Body Works is having a sale, and we stopped by and purchased two tubes of stress lotion. I think it might last the year. 

This is my last post for the year 2020. I want to thank you all for being with me, for your comments, your encouragements, suggestions, and out pouring of your love. It means so much to me. 

Driver knows this chapter is closing and a new and more difficult part of the journey is beginning. The closer to Dementia Town we get, the more twist and turns await us. Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow has enough worry for itself. I will think of the 24 hours ahead, and will take them one step at a time. So, for my first step, is out the door, into the car, and down the Road to Dementia Town we go. Keeping our Shiny Side Up. C'ya, Luv ya, and God Bless.