Complacency is the enemy.

Who knew?

Should I start with "Yesterday"? Isn't that which this is all about? Yesterdays? 

Is life short? Or does it seem like it is too long. Caregivers, our Love Ones with Alzheimer's/Dementia just might agree, for us and them, it may seem like life is too long. The daily task of the care and feeding of our loveones, seem to pull the life out of us, while at the same time acting like a clogged drain in those we love. Because we cannot see the empty mark in them, we wonder how it is they open their eyes this morning.

Relieved that they are still with us, and by the end of the day, hoping that is might be their last. There are days, I have to admit, that I pray that my Higher Power, my Driver, would hasten the day, and take Sweetie to the sweet by and by. Then the day happens, when all the stars line up, the birds are singing, and life is as good as it gets and I'm overjoyed that she is still with me. 

Yesterday was one of those star and bird days. Peaks and valleys, on the golf course, she was fine until I finished the last hole, and then she got out of the cart and started walking. I went into my shepherd dog routine, and got her back into the cart and then the car, where she became relaxed again. 

Stopped off at Sonic's for a burger and tots lunch to take home. I get her the smallest burger on the menu, and I get the green chili cheese burger. When we get home, cut hers in half, and she just went after it. What she likes and what she puts up with is always a surprise. 

Lately the end of the day has been a struggle, last night was not. Complacency is the enemy of my peace of mind. Dementia will lull me and I won't do what I need to do, thinking that she is fine, and as bed time draws near Mr Sundowner shows up. Last night before we headed up to be, about a half hour before, I put some Stress Relief lotion on her and a dose of Hemp Oil, and when we headed off to be, she was ready to go. 

It's time for me to go, my Driver is here, and waiting. Off, down the Road to Dementia Town we go. I never know where he is taking me, I can only trust and obey. I do know we'll be driving with our Shiny Side Up. That goes for you too, Keep your Shiny Side Up as you travel the Road to Dementia Town. So long for now, Love Ya and God Bless. 

Mr. Sundowners in its full glory.

Took her to watch the Lion King.

I remember taking her to the see the Broadway production of The Lion King. She still had enough understanding of what we were doing. Now she doesn't remember it at all. These posting have ways to remind me of who she was and that person is still in there, and that is the person that I remember and love. 

Took Sweetie to the dentist yesterday, and it will be the last visit she will have to suffer through. We had a new dental hygienist, and Sweetie was her Demented self. She had a hard time following instructions. The hygienist told me it was time for x-rays and an exam by the dentist, I told her that that wasn't going to happen. If your fighting her to open her mouth, imagine trying to get her to sit still and have x-rays. So, until there is a dental emergency, she will not see another dentist again. 

Had to refill her anti-anxiety prescription and asked more questions about the drug. How long does it last, side affects, ect. Once on a regimentation, it pretty much stays the same, no real peaks or dips. That is helpful, for now I know the importance of the the CBD Hemp Oil. I know that I try to keep her on about a 3 hour spacing between giving her her oil, and on a as needed basis. We almost have a normal life now. 

One of the things that I tell people as they are trying to talk to Sweetie, or she to them. Remember the Penguins, "Smile and Nod boys, smile and nod.". It works for both of them, Sweetie thinks she making sense, and they don't have to figure out what she is saying. 

Last night, we were in bed, when I heard her get up, and I was out like a flash, sundowners had broken free and she had to go help the "boys" again. I've found that if I just block her from the door, she soon settles down. I hadn't given her any Hemp Oil before bed, dummy me, so, after she went back to bed, I gave her some. Out she went. Thank you Driver. 

I think it was just a combination of the day. The dentist, going to see youngest, and the rest. It wasn't the normal day, and I think she just got overwhelmed and it was at bed time she just couldn't contain herself. Back at the beginning, I didn't have the tools to use, or the understanding of what Dementia and sundowners does to a person. It is scary to see Mr. Sundowners in its full glory. 

That is about it for this time. I'm ready for a quiet drive with my Driver. Mr. Sundowners and beat me and I need some corner time in this battle. My Driver knows that and He knows where to find that oasis of rest as we travel down the Road to Dementia Town, Keeping our Shiny Side Up. Maybe I'll see you at the oasis on your drive today, I'll know its you, 'cause I'll see your Shiny Side first.   

   

Dementia, emotional memory and movies.

2016

Have to tell you a little story about this picture. No, not the this picture, a print of this picture. I was wanting to make a copy of it, when I sent it to our printer, the color cartage were out, and it had a small amount of black. The print I got was a faded black and white, like a pencil sketching. I liked it so much, it is framed and on my wall. Maybe someday I'll make it part of the pictures for this blog. 

How did yesterday go? You ask. It had its ups and downs, just like everyday. Woke Sweetie early, and a busy day planed. It started well. Breakfast, dressed, and out the door. 

The day before, I told you about my bad emotional day playing golf and how it affected her. 

The strange thing about Dementia and emotional memory. Dementia may dissolve memories of the past, slowly, methodically, almost evilly, and at the same time, emotional memories stay. As I was playing, and having a good day, she still became irritated, and at one point walked away from the cart. Time to leave, and we did. Got to the car and gave her a dose of Hemp Oil, and headed to her daughter's. 

Went well. Second time this month, and also the second time this year. Sweetie was having a good time, and just like that, she wanted to leave. So we did.

I'm beginning to become more critical of what we watch on TV. Anything that has a dark theme, that includes animation movies, Disney movies, can affect Sweetie. I thought the movie "Frozen" would be a good movie to watch. Sorry folks, it was too dark for Sweetie to process. We had watched it before and she seemed to enjoy it, now that is a different time. Her Dementia has taken away her ability to understand. I can watch her face, and it becomes hard, and when that happens, I know I need to intercede and change what is being viewed. 

When she wanted to go to bed earlier than normal, I put her to bed. About 15 minutes later, she was back down and more herself. 

Today, we have a dental appointment for her. Last time we went, she did well. I'm hoping for the same type of reaction today. 

Time to get going for the day, my Driver is here, and I just want to get away. Out one door, in through another, and gone. My short respite with my Driver. Safe, secure, and relaxed as we head down the Road to Dementia Town, Keeping our Shiny Side Up. Hope you get what I get, when you drive your Road to Dementia Town, Keeping your Shiny Side Up. Love Ya, and God Bless.