One evening last week we sat on our patio, listening to music and enjoying the beauty of our flowers and pets.
The night was a good one too, David only woke up once during the night..... !
The next day he looks sad and depressed. It's really hard to wrap my brain around the difference that occurs....
He was sitting on the sofa, staring at his two C.P.A. certificates. He was extremely upset!! He ask me, " why are the pictures criticizing me every day?"
I took one of the certificates down and read the words to him....the word is 'certificate'...NOT... 'criticism.' I told him how hard he had studied and worked to receive these certificates.
He was so relieved!!! He told me several times how thankful he was to know it was 'certificate' and NOT "criticism.' He said for weeks he's felt bad that he was being criticized, and he didn't know why.......(knowing that his perception of time is not 'real'.... I don't know how long he worried about this, but whatever....)
The C.P.A. certificates are now in the closet; in place of the two certificates.... I hung pictures of our children . He was so relieved..... and I say, "thank you God that he could express his concern to me."
The blogs I follow are such a joy and inspiration to me. Several days ago I was reading 'A Scrapbook of Inspiration'..http://karenharveycox.blogspot.com/
Karen's post are always so beautiful and inspirational! She said to take any of the pictures or words in her post, and this particular one spoke volumes to me...I'm sharing it with you....
I LOVE THIS MESSAGE!
I LOVE THIS MESSAGE!
Our anniversary lunch was great....our choice was Red Lobster...... Yum!
23 comments:
Wow. Isn't it interesting the things that stand out to a person with Alzheimer's? Poor David...thinking that he was being criticized. That must have been hard for him. I'm glad you took them down and gave him something happy to look at. You seem to know just what to do for him.
I can't believe you went to Red Lobster! The last time I was there I stuffed myself!
Much love,
Barbara
Good Girl!! Red Lobster is Always pretty tasty! Hope you had a good time!
Love the verse...
Bless his heart! I can't imagine how confusing it was for him...
(((HUG)))
But you came to the rescue Girl! Love the Babies photos up there!
hughugs
You are so wise! Just what David needs when he's unsure of things. I imagine he things his grands are the best degrees.
Oh I missed that one from Karen. She's so talented and so sharing!
of coarse you had a cheddar bay biscuit for me, right?
Thinking of you often. A Papa update on tattler later today.
hugs and prayers. Judi
(cryptic like a telagram?) not meant to be so short. It's the way my brain thinks right now. It's the way I talk right now. ARG!
Good you both got out and had a good dinner, I do love those biscuits.
You handled that perfectly and I hope he does understand how special those certificates are and the meaning behind them.
God bless you minute by minute.
it is so sad what alzheimers or dimentia does the brain...until you live through it...it is hard to explain...so happy yall had a good anniversary...and you were able to remedy his confusion...
Hi Dolores...I think I told you how I really like your new "look" for your blog but what I like the most is the very nice picture of David in your header! And Casey, too!
You were so good to take those pictures of his certificates down right away. One less thing for him to worry about. You are a wonderful wife to David. Just the little things matter so much right now.
Red Lobster! Our favorite place to eat. Must have been another memorable day.
Your relationship over 48 years of marriage is what is sustaining David. Glad he expressed himself about that word "criticism". What matters is his family now, not his career anyway, and he didn't need those certificates--just his family.
You are such an awesome caregiver, Delores.
Hugs,
Carol
It is amazing to me that David can express his feelings so well. For that I am grateful so YOU aren't so confused as to what is the matter if he gets upset. 48 years makes an unbreakable bond. You are the best! XO, Pinky
Forgot to say how MUCH I love that quote about happiness! Can I use it too????
Smart lady... removing the items that caused him such consternation, and replacing with pleasant pictures. I have not been to Red Lobster in probably 10-15 years. I love lobster, shrimp scampi, crab legs dipped in butter...oh my, I can taste it now.
Bless his heart. How awful for him. You're such a kind wife. He is so blessed to have you watch over and care for you. God bless you!
The certificates may have been replaced, but you have to admit, the replacements look like lovely achievements of your lives too :) I lo...ve the new background!!! Best wishes, Jenny :) P.S. I hope the first part of my comment made sense!!
I just wish everyone suffering from Alzheimers' had a caring companion such as you, willing to think about the cause of his distress, listen, and act upon it. Who could have thought this was causing such angst except someone who loves him. Again I say David is blessed.
I do like that quote about happiness. Happiness is one thing that cannot be bought, it is priceless.See, you are rich in blessings...frustrations too, but abundantly rich in blessings.
By the way, how is Cassandra?
You came up with a perfect solution to the problem, Dolores. How sad to think those certificates which once brought pleasure are now causing such distress. But, it's good that David was able to convey his feelings to you. You are such a "caring" caretaker.
Glad that you had a good anniversary dinner.
Happy Anniversary, Dolores! Don't we just wish every problem would be that easy to fix? Good thing David expressed himself or you would never know how to solve it. Your backyard looks gorgeous and very peaceful...Christine
This article blessed me and I hope it will bless you.
http://solofemininity.blogs.com/posts/2011/05/alzheimers-and-gospel-transformation.html
I love the green. Makes me feel like summer is here. I am so glad David told you how he felt . Great idea to replace with pictures of the kids. I am writing the message done it is one to remember.
Dolores,
I am always amazed at how David can express himself and let you know how to help him.
As I go further and further into this with my husband, I find that slipping into words of inspiration give me oxygen. Thank you for mentioning my blog and posting this. Always feel free to take anything away. I think God is who owns the copyright.
Dolores, you continue to bless my life. Some days lately have been difficult ones, and coming here reminds me that this mountain we climb does not have to be a lonely one.
Thank you for being you.
Karen
What a blessing that David could tell you what was bothering him. And, that you could fix it. I know the pictures of the children bring him so much more peace and enjoyment than what he thought he was looking at. Hugs, Latane
Bless his heart - and yours.
You are brave.. just always march forward... that the best we can do and provide support for one another if we can.
Sandra
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