Dinner.

What our love looks like.

If you could just look at this picture, you'd think something like, what fun, how happy they look. You wouldn't think of the life that is being shown here, as a life with Dementia. We're too happy for that and we seem to have so much more than the life that is being shared here. These are the moments that I want to capture and cherish. 

These are the times that make all that we are going through worth it. There is joy and I know it. There are times when I want to just pull my hair out (what little I have left.). There are the battles in the bathroom, in the car, and home. That is to be expected. I've learned how to minimize them, to ignore those that won't stop, and realize that it is her, not me. Those brief times are the ones that I can balance with the walks, the sitting next to each other, holding hands, watching her try to sing along with the music on the radio. Watching old Tonight Shows with Johnny Carson, seeing her laugh at the right times, knowing that she can still understand comedy. These are the joys that make life worth living. 

Tuesday

It wasn't the joyous awaking that yesterday's was. It was OK as far as getting Sweetie up. A trick I've learned is that when she sees her shoes and wants to put them on, I tell her we need to change her underwear first, and then we'll put the shoes on. She understands, and comes with me. 

You know our routine, and so, with no further delay, on to the day. 

She wasn't as much fun on the course as the day before and that is expected. Happy at the front, not so happy by the 9th hole. She is the trooper though, being good by not running off, and smiling when I sink a putt, or hit a good shot. 

Took my phone with us to get some more mall pictures. The mall has different background sheets set up, like the one I used this morning. It gives me a visual of how she is doing and I get to see her smile as we take the pictures. 

Yesterday was yardwork day. Sweetie is good sitting on the couch and watching me, and me watching her. If I plan to get outside and work on the yards, and if I can get out before 3pm, Sweetie is good to sit and watch without getting the wandering urge. 

It seems that she gets that way between 3 and 5 pm. It feels like a short visit from Mr. Sundowners and it doesn't last long. This time she got up, went to the front door, looked at it and went up the stairs. Finding the door locked she came back down, and headed for her safe place, the bedroom, where I let her stay until dinner. 

Two nights ago, I finally cooked the rice all the way through, no crunches. Had some left over, so I made a chicken/rice/veggie meal. It turned out well, well enough to try it again. 

Got Sweetie up for dinner. Concerned that she may not eat it, I led her to the table, and she started in, and she ate, and ate, and ate. Then when her dish was empty, I put some more in, and watched. She kept on eating, some more, and she ate, and some more, and she ate. She finished all that was left, and I think she could of eaten more, if there was more to be had. 

After dinner, she went back to her safe place, and I did the dishes. If she is happy to be there, and I can do what needs to be done without her pacing, I'm happy. 

We finished our evening with feeding her some lemon cream pudding, and watching TV. Another day done and in the books. 

Driver keeps on motoring down the Road to Dementia Town, knowing that this day will lead to tomorrow's road trip. Each day brings with it its own trials and treasures. Easter Eggs to be found. My job and joy is to look for them, as we travel with our Shiny Side Up. C'ya, Luv Ya, and God Bless.