Just like that, a good day.

As always, my helper.

And just like that, we had a good day. If I could remember just what we did to make it that way, I'd write it down and follow it everyday. The problem is, what worked yesterday, just may not work today. For that which made yesterday possible, Dementia may have stolen during the night after a good day happens. All I can do is try. 

Our day started with Sweetie getting up, and getting her changed, then breakfast with her drinking Gatorade instead of milk or water. I'm hoping that the amount of Gatorade that I give her will help keep her hydrated during the day.  Its crazy the way Dementia reacts to water, soda, or anything in a glass. To mention that she has to drink, it is almost like showing a cross to a vampire. The brat dementia shows up and the attitude of "don't tell me what to do" comes out. It is so amazing.

We had a someone in the neighborhood pull up to us as we were walking and asked how many times we walk each day. Minimum of once a day, and usually twice on the weekends. I don't know if we are encouraging others, I just find it amazing that when we do stop and talk to others along our path, they are aware of who we are, "the walkers", and ask about our activity. What many people don't understand that this is also rehabilitation for Sweetie. Because she cannot just sit and watch TV, no matter what I put on, that she needs input that will stimulate her thought patterns so sundowners doesn't get started.   

Getting started, that is my que to head for the door, and see if my Driver has arrived. Silly me, He is always there, on time and in just the right place. If there was anyone that I can depend on, it is my Driver. He knows what is needed, and if I didn't know better, He knew I needed a good day and arranged it all for Sweetie and me. I'm thinking to myself, I'm going to tell Him all about yesterday, and watch His face very closely to see that knowing smile appear. I'll just sneak a peek out of the corner of my cool sunglasses to see if it appears. The joy we share as He takes the wheel and heads down the Road to Dementia Town. As always, Keeping our Shiny Side Up. Hope you get to see that same smile as you too Drive the Road to Dementia Town, Keeping your Shiny Side Up. Love Ya and God Bless. 

Rough Road Ahead.

As I begin this days adventure on the Road to Dementia Town, I have to stop and wonder about what this day will bring. Yesterday was a real mix bag of emotional upheavals and times that just didn't make sense. 

I've mentioned that Sweetie has been getting up earlier which has made me adjust my day to something new. Yesterday morning, she didn't get up early, so I woke her up. All seemed well. We had our breakfast, and headed towards the golf course. Her memory has gone to the point that she no longer remembers the word "golf" and is asking what it is. She comes along because I'm taking her. 

We teamed up with a couple and the lady was just beginning to learn how to play. It was slow, as a matter of fact, it was too slow. Sweetie became irritated, and we went on without them. The damage had already been done, sundowner was with us. She wanted to walk over to other groups of golfers and of course I wouldn't let her and we cut our game short. 

After that, and getting her some CBD, we headed for the mall, they were suppose to open. The stores at the wall with opening to the outside of the mall were open. There wasn't anyway to get in and walk inside the mall. Another disappointment. 

We went home, had lunch, took our walk, and then we went off for a 2 hour drive. Things seem to be leveling off until evening. Sundowners fired up again. Found out, rain doesn't stop sundowners. Where as in her calm state, she avoids water, in sundowners, it doesn't stop her at all. The difference is amazing, once sundowners has stoked the fires of getting out and needing to talk to someone besides me, it doesn't stop at anything. 

I got her back into the house, and she headed for the back bedroom with her Dumbo animal. I stayed up and guarded the front door, knowing she would de-pressurize and come looking for me. It didn't take long, before she was with me, upstairs, undressed, clean pullups, and into bed. It was to say the least, a long day. 

It will be OK, Diver tells me. He knows the construction sites on the road we are traveling and He knows the detours that we will have to make as we travel down the Road to Dementia Town, Keeping Our Shiny Side Up. You too, watch out for those construction sites as you drive Keeping Your Shiny Side Up. Love Ya, God Bless.    

Sweetie is still surprising me.

At the Viet Nam War Memorial, Angel Fire NM.

 

June, the almost half way in the year. Where has it gone to. I feel a need to tell you about this picture. My old squadron had many awards and metals, among them the only Medal of Honor who was a Naval Aviator. The plaque is one that I had made and donated it to the memorial honoring Ltjg Lassen and the crew of that successful rescue. It was my way of honoring him and the men I served with. 

Now that that is over, onward to what I'm here to write about. Sweetie is still surprising me with her early waking. I don't know what, it just seems that as soon as I am comfortable with her routine, something changes. I know I've said this many times before, and every time it is true. 

One of the things I've come to grips with, is my wanting her to be what I want, not what she is. Earlier this year, I went and changed her bras, to sport bras. There was the suggestion that she goes braless. I have a hard time with that, because when she was younger, she was very aware of the attention that men have her, and wore bras that would lessen the appearance of her nipples through the bra. Now that she isn't that woman, I still wanted for her to have the modesty she used to have. Now, because she isn't that full breasted woman of her youth, and it is easier for me to dress her, one less item to worry about, I've let her go braless. 

I've also stopped buying sweat pants for her. She likes her jeans and has gotten comfortable using a belt to hold them up. So, what does this all mean? It means that I'm letting common sense talk to me, and listening to your comments. I feel I'm forcing her into something she isn't ready for. We have enough on our plates just to get from morning to night, there isn't any need for me to add anything on the plate until it is needed. 

With all that is there, there is time for my ride with my Driver at the wheel. He's ready, I'm ready so off we go, grabbing my cool sunglasses, and down the Road to Dementia Town we go, Keeping our Shiny Side Up. Hope you find your common sense as you travel your road to Dementia Town, Keeping Your Shiny Side Up. Love Ya and God Bless.