Normal, whatever that is.

At home

We've been through the picture stage. You know the one, showing her pictures of the family, pointing out grand children, brothers and who is married to who. I'm so glad we are out of that stage. It would be one thing if the kids were in person, not just in pictures. 

We've been through the jigsaw puzzle stage, an attempt to engage her mind by getting her to attempt problem solving. 

Sundowners, asking the same question over and over again, learning to use pullups. From brushing her teeth, to not allowing me to swab her teeth. From telling what to do, to gently guiding her. To understanding her limitation, and just loving her without conditions. And, there is still more to come. 

Today for the first time in forever, it seems, that I'll be able to meet with my guys, my Alzheimer's support group. This is my "Band of Brothers." The support, the learning and sharing is so uplifting, encouraging, and needed. 

Thursday

It was a day that could be considered normal, accept for the garage door. My repairman had to make a return trip and fix a roller. I was observing what he did, so if it happens again, I'll be able to do the fix myself. 

This mornings shower was a little bit more intimate then normal. As I was washing her vaginal area, I happened to glance up at her face. She had stopped telling me it hurt and I looked up. She had that look on her face that lovers have as they touch each other. That look of it feels good do it some more. And then it was gone. Just a quick Easter Egg feeling, not yet gone. 

The rest of the morning went OK, the only thing different was her not eating all her breakfast. She ate some, got up and went back to bed. She was up earlier then normal, again, and I think she was trying to capture some more ZZZZ. Because we had time before we headed out, I just let her sleep. 

My days in a row with a par, continues. What 13 days now? 

It wasn't until we got home from our walk about at the mall, that I checked her pullups. She had a very loose movement, which meant she needed to wash down again. I think the prune/bran breakfast is getting to be too much. It was her second movement of the day, so for the next two mornings, no prune juice. I don't know which is worse, constipation or loose. Just trying to get her "normal", whatever that is. 

We know what a normal day on the Road to Dementia Town is like because there isn't anything of a normalcy while we are on this road. It continues to surprise me. Not Driver. He is all knowing, so He just keeps the tools handy that I'll need to get through to sunset. Tools like Love, Caring, A Soft Heart, and the biggest of all, Listening to Him. When we started, I didn't know how to use these tools, now they are the first ones I grab. After all, a tweak here and there is all that is needed as we go, Keeping our Shiny Side Up. C'ya, Luv Ya, and God Bless.