I just do it.

As she fades away.

As a armature photographer, I know that when there is a shadow over a person's face, a fill in flash is needed to remove the effects of a shadow. Here, the picture is a good visible example of what Dementia is doing to Sweetie. 

As in life, I know that it is her, even without seeing that which is hidden by the shadow, even though I cannot see all of her face. My memory fills in the needed missing parts. As it is in real life. Real time, every morning, every day, I'm using my memories to fill in the voids that Dementia creates as best I can.

Tuesday 

I have started to hide her shoes when I get her up. I know that I have to get her out of her wet pullups and I've found that when she gets up, the first thing she looks for are her shoes. Telling her that I'll get them soon allows me to help her into the bathroom, disrobe, and into the shower. Once those tasks are completed, I dress her and get her shoes out of hiding.

There is something that I find to be a bit of a surprise, what a good house keeper I'm turning into. Once, after breakfast, I'm back in the bedroom, cleaning and making the bed. If it needs to be changed, that is done. I've simplified the bed covers. There isn't a top sheet, because Sweetie was pushing it down and away from her, remove top sheet, problem solved. So, if I have to strip the bed, one sheet needs to be removed, then only one sheet to replace the soiled one. Anyway, I just don't think about it, I just do it. 

Meanwhile, Sweetie will sit on the couch, watch TV while I finish up my morning duties. Not long ago, she was there helping me, going with me to take out the trash, just being with me, and that is just one of the changes we are going through now. It makes my job easier by myself, and as I write this, I'm now aware of that which is missing. Her being with me. 

Had a great time on the golf course. We were able to play a couple of extra holes, which was nice. Got a number of pars, and one birdy, a rare feat. 

The rest of the day was uneventful, and that makes for a good day for us. Sweetie went down for her nap, and then we went walking. Finished the day in our usual way. 

Sometimes the best days while on the Road to Dementia Town, and the boring ones. Seeing Driver's smile as He navigates us through these smooth roads, gentle turns, and pretty scenery as we go. Then it is easy to Keep our Shiny Side Up. C'ya, Luv ya, and God Bless.