For years I tried diligently to feed my family a healthy variety of vegetables, fruits, salads, chicken and fish, ....and I very seldom fried anything.... not only because it wasn't healthy, but I also didn't like the greasy mess.
After David was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, I tried to step up and do even better. I was determined to feed him a lot of fish and salmon, and all the right foods that are good for him. But, you know .....I've made a complete turn around. I know there will come a time when he won't enjoy eating, but right now.... here and now..... he almost 'moans with joy' as he eats a meal that he's enjoying.. So..... right now..... if he enjoys fried chicken strips, french fries, enchiladas, pizza...whatever.... that's what he's going to have. I've come a long way in my thinking, because ...... I don't know how long he'll continue to enjoy food and have a good appetite. I want more than anything... for him to be happy and enjoy each and every day as long as possible.... Bring on the food!
Trouble is: I'm gaining weight like crazy, but .... so be it!
And I say, "thank you God that David loves and enjoys eating."

23 comments:
I am sure your putting a smile on Davids face serving up some comfort food,our little bird (MIL) eats sparingly, like you I go out of my way to make sure its chuck full of vitamins, but today it was an ice cream cone for a treat... so what...
Yesterday she decided to leave home and started packing all her things in boxes I asked where she was going ?? She didn't know but she was in a hurry to get there.LOL!! One day at a time.....
Diane
Right on! That is what life is all about...well, a good part of it. I love that you desire to puts smiles on his face.....bless you!!!
Raining here too and we don't need it. We have had the west sides share this spring! But at least it is not freezing like a couple weeks ago! lol
And I'm with You! Nothing better than some buttermilk fried chicken with mashed potatoes!Hahaa...I'm NOT a good influence!
You're an Angel...<3
hughugs
Dolores, I agree. Let him have what he enjoys eating. And..what causes Alzheimers anyway??? Who knows? What causes vascular dementia? I know with the vascular, high blood pressure and diabetes and smoking can cause or be related. But...if one has never smoked, does not have high BP and is not diabetic then what causes it? So many unanswered questions....Wishing you an evening full of joy and laughter! Mary
I don't blame you a bit, Dolores! David should get what he enjoys. You can always get a stationary bike:) I applaude your decision. Viva la enchilada!
Debbie
It really touches me how well you love and take care of David.
I can honestly say my mother was not near as patient or as loving to my dad as you are to David - but my parents had a long history of not being the best to each other.
To see you appreciate the little things in David is so wonderful. Thank you for sharing those moments with us.
Kudos to you, Dolores. Wayne loved pizza and I agreed for he surely doesn't get it at the care home:)
Quite possibly my favorite post you have written!
I love that you choose joy and living life, not just safely hedging your bets, but LIVING LARGE.
Prayers for your waistline, though. :D
Amen to that! I wish I would have known that grandma's appetite would one day go; I would have made sure that she enjoyed everything when she wanted it. Let him enjoy himself and as for the unwanted pounds...you look great!
Blessings,
Vikki
I know exactly what you're talking about, what ever Mr. P wants he gets at least I know he's eating.. many many hugs ~lynne~
yeah for you! He has earned everything you can give him, I love it that you are giving him joy.
Quality vs Quantity ... that's what Papa preaches ... he gets his fried chicken every time with that argument
So true! Lately I have been noticing how so many people are so very , extra careful with their older parents, etc, and the diet matters so much. But unless there are serious issues with eating inappropriate foods ( diabetes for one) for goodness sake, let them eat what brings joy to their hearts and taste buds.That is what I hope , should I ever need one, my care-giver does for me.
Thanks again for a better perspective on things Dolores, and I am glad to read David is enjoying his food immensely~now I am hungry.
Good on you, Dolores! Mum does the same, and takes treats of his favourites, even if it is just a few strawberries :) Live for today.....diet tomorrow...lol...!! Best wishes, Jenny
You have such a wonderful attitude about David's illness and take such tender, beautiful care of him! It's such a pleasure to read about the love and devotion that you bestow upon him. You will be blessed and am being blessed daily, no doubt!
Other than the weight gain, I'd say you've made a great decision. Sometimes I wonder if we would all be better off to enjoy the foods we like rather than all this worry over eating the wrong things. With all of the things that have been taken away from David due to AD, I think letting him eat the foods that make him happy is a wonderful idea. Bon Appetit!!
Thanks for your recent comments on my back issue, Dolores. I'm sorry to hear that you have had firsthand experience with sciatic nerve problems. Not fun.
I hope you and David have a good weekend.
Oh yeah! Guve David his favorite food and you enjoy it too! We only live once...Christine
What a darling picture!!!
Good for you, Delores. I know you are making David one happy man. Elbert always had a healthy appetite eating anything put before him. Still does and thank goodness, The Garden serves good portions and always dessert.
I am of the opinion that life at this point should be filled with whatever makes them the happiest.
Love the picture of David and his sister. How cute is that!!
Love this picture... Still here reading
Just checking on you Sugar...Hope you two have a Happy day today!
hughugs
eating was meant to be enjoyable or we'd not have taste buds. :)
a friend suffered a head injury and his sense of taste completely left him. he became depressed due to him not being able to enjoy food.
so....ENJOY!
I love the pictures. I let Mum eat whatever she wants, as she is so thin and she does like eating.
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