I Believe...

"LIFE IS NOT ABOUT WEATHERING THE STORM, ...IT'S ABOUT LEARNING TO DANCE IN THE RAIN"

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Alzheimer's..... Music.... Animals....

I love this quote:
'You have no control over what other people do.  The only thing you have control over is your reaction to what they do.'

Hmmmm.... sure wish I could live by this!    I'm trying.... I hope that counts!!!
I choose to laugh (most of the time).  
With Alzheimer's in our home,    for me.....laughter is healing...., if I don't laugh.... I'll cry.


I'm  happy to say we've had another good week.    David claps his hands most of the day to the beat of his classic country music channel.    

The music and his clapping is wonderful, because he works up a sweat and wears himself out.    Clapping his hands..... gives him something to do, and he actually feels like he has a job......he feels that he's a part of the music......  

He's sleeping good at night, which makes me very happy.    I'm thinking the Melatonin and Valerian is helping him relax and sleep, plus being tired at the end of the day from his hard work of clapping.

Punkin has definitely decided he likes his new home.   He's all over the house;   he's running and jumping from behind the furniture.  I've tried to get an action picture of he and Casey playing, but all I've gotten so far are these.


Punkin must know he has a job to do.  Last night he jumped up on the bed and wrapped himself around David's neck.   David was thrilled...... a purring cat doing .... what I call ... 'the ballerinas'... how good is that!!! 

I awoke this morning to David laughing.   Punkin was trying to get his attention, and he did!

I thank God for laughter, music..... and our sweet animals.

27 comments:

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

I knew Punkin was there for a reason. A GOOD reasone. I am glad you are having some GOOD days. XO, Pinky

Mary said...

I am so glad you have had a good week. Love the quote and love,love the pictures of your pets. I sent you an email just a bit ago. Have another good week. Talk to you soon!

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Oh honey, Punkin is a blessing, he's wonderful and David seems to loke him for sure, he really likes animals, doesn't he? I'm so happy you had a good week and David sleeps well at night, that is such help for you. Yes, "we have only control over our reaction to what others do"...but how difficult it is to follow! I have an alcoholic brother and this is exactly what a learned in Al-Anon...but I think I can apply it with every situation in life that I see I can't do nothing about...not really, I apply it in my mind mostly, but don't really disconect with what happens, I do get involved badly sometimes! Life is not easy and definetelly not human relations even if it's with the ill loved one.
Have a blessed week my friend.
FABBY

~~Rhonda said...

Thanking God with you for His many gracious blessings. Pets are certainly one of those. We don't know one other, but I think of you and David often and always look forward to your latest update. ~~Rhonda

Vee said...

That cat is an incredible blessing. I love how he is reacting with everyone in the house, even the dog. Have another week just as lovely as this one. I think I could use David's nighttime sleeping aids. This time change has thrown me for a loop.

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

Animals make me happy also...so happy that you and David are doing well right now!!! Have a beautiful week Delores!!!

Unknown said...

That is just wonderful! I did not grow up with animals and adding them to my life has also made me very happy. I think they are just wonderful and I am so glad that you both have them in your lives.

Keep on smiling!!

Debbie said...

You almost make me want a cat. Almost! I don't think Beau would tolerate that! I am so thankful for the pet therapy for David's sake and yours. It is no mistake to imagine God created creatures for his pleasure and ours because they are too amusing and they bring us out of ourselves! I am so thankful that David has good doctors and medicines to help his alzheimers symptoms. There were none of those yet available years ago when my mom fell victim to this terrible condition. I wept and praised God this morning looking at the photo of David laughing at the kitty in his lap.
Laughter is so vital to all of us!
Hugs, Dolores
Debbie

Vickie said...

Good morning, Dolores! I think that kitty was sent to David by the Lord. Our animals can do so much therapy that humans can't! Or at least add to it. Your pets absolutely make him happy and give him something to do and love on. He doesn't have to think or try to remember something. They just give him joy! And that is such a blessing. I'm so glad to hear that he's having some good nights and staying up-beat with his clapping and music! I hope it continues for a long long time. The Lord knows what we need before we even ask, and He knew David needed a kitten!

judi/Gmj said...

laughter releases endorphins. It's a good thing. A sweet cat to blend with the sweet dog, country music clapping is a happy job! Joyous moments are treasures aren't they?
Thank God for the times when all goes well. hugs, judi

Nancy Carter, LCSW said...

Your pictures and insights in October and November are unbelievably wonderful!

Happy@Home said...

So glad to hear that the good days and nights are continuing. Such cute pictures you have captured with Punkin and Casey. They are a blessing indeed.

xinex said...

Cute pets, Dolores and, so glad to see that David is enjoying them....Christine

Sugar Bear said...

Dolores - it sounds like Punkin is just where he needs to be! What a blessing that you found each other.
Hugs,
Karla

Donna said...

Nothing MORE healing than animals! SO glad David is enjoying them!
LOVE the bed shot...Hahaaa...Looks like you made the "purrrfect" match.
(((HUG)))

Gilda Spitz said...

So glad you had a good week. The new kitten is adorable!

Gilda

Deb said...

another good week...that is awesome news....my FIL passed away..he doesn't have to suffer from the terrrible dimentia any longer...

Deb said...

another good week...that is awesome news....my FIL passed away..he doesn't have to suffer from the terrrible dimentia any longer...

romance-of-roses said...

That is such a cute picture of David and Punkin and Punkin is so cute. Not just cute she is a beautiful cat. Glad she is making David happy, hope she keeps him smiling. Blessings...Lu

Carol Noren Johnson said...

I really appreciate your blog because my husband, as you know, has stage one ALZ. You inspire me. We have one dog that my husband and I dearly love. He likes country music also, which I usually play on my iPod in the car. So far he prefers to watch old movies on TV, but I keep learning from you.

Hugs, no bugs,
Carol

Betty said...

I'm so glad to hear that things are going OK. It's hard watching the changes and when things go well it's a real blessing. Besides, you need your rest! I'm so glad that lucky cat has a good forever home and he's bringing joy into your home.

Anonymous said...

I love your kitty and the joy she brings to your heart....XXOOShirley in Virginia

Unknown said...

Dolores,

That little Punkin has brought lots of excitement, love and fun into David's life. Good choice to invite this bundle into your home.

I love those words about not being able to control what other people do. Most of the time I can do this, except for when my husband chooses to be paranoid about my daughter and is mean to her. Then I find myself slipping away from patience and acceptance.

Dementia, a greater tightrope walk than found under any circus tent.

Karen
Karen

KathyB. said...

Punkin is so cute, and he looks like he can get the attention of anyone he desires, by being snuggly and purr-sistent.I think the animals must give you a lot of comfort too. I love the quote you started your post with Dolores.

Joy said...

I am so glad that Punkin is bringing both of you fun, love, and distraction! I think of you often, Delores, I know you are doing the best you can. Sending hugs your way. What are your plans for Thanksgiving?

Latane Barton said...

Good Morning, Dolores. You constantly amaze me at your outlook on life, your way to deal with the tragedies that it has dealt you and the way you find positive in a bad situation.

A Woman that Fears the Lord said...

I'm so glad that your husband is enjoying his new friend. My little kitty wakes me up twice during the night. Sometimes he'll just sit and stare at me.. other times he 'kneads' me like a kitten does his mother. It disrupts my sleep and I wake up so tired. I hate to lock him in another room. I just hope he outgrows it. I do adore him!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...