David was in the hospital for two long weeks. They moved him back to AlzCare on Wednesday. It's so good having him out of the hospital and closer to home.
My best friend, me and our dog, Casey were there to see him when he arrived on Wednesday. He appeared to have a slight memory of Casey and thoroughly enjoyed having her sit on his lap. It was so sweet to see them together.
I took him chocolate candy and he ate it without any trouble swallowing. AlzCare will watch him closely because he's lost some weight and he's weak. He can stand with assistance, but he can no longer walk. They/we aren't sure if it's the weakness or if he's forgotten how to walk.
David NEVER took naps before Alzheimer's; he was always reading, jogging, working and ..doing busy work. After Alzheimer's.....he still didn't take naps. He stayed busy sweeping , clapping to his music or walking around. Now he's taking naps.........sigh........ I've prayed for 'peace'.... and this is peace....thank you God.
So far, no more outburst of agitation and anger. He's only taking 1/2 mg. of a pill in the evening to calm him. My prayer is peace for this kind and gentle man.
Three of our grandsons went with me today to see him and afterwards we went to Olive Garden in remembrance of how much their Pope loved eating there. One of the boys had peach tea and another had eggplant parmigiana, David's favorites.
Our best friends went to see him today, and Jillian found his stuffed animal for him.
These pictures were taken several weeks ago .....David enjoying his music and clapping.
Alzheimer's is often described as the 'long good-bye'....which it is, but it also gives us the opportunity to discover so much love from our family and friends.
31 comments:
Good news, Dolores. I'm glad David's doing better. I felt like he would find some relief at the hospital. I'm glad they were able to find a medication that is helping him cope. We just want to see our loved ones calm and content, don't we! And you're right, it does bring family and friends together to share the love. Thinking of you often, Dolores...
Beautiful....
Hope all continues to go well.
Holding you all in my heart.
What all of your friends and family have been praying for ... this is the best news. Keeping David calm and comfortable is what's most important now. Have a good weekend Dolores.
I admire the dancing in the rain here, your faith, and your faithful friends.
Hugs and prayers,
Carol
Such good news Dolores - glad your David is back in the nice care home ;)
Wonderful news Delores!! So glad he's back! I love all the photos...and I'm glad Jillian found David's puppy! I know he liked it...
Sending lots of hugs, love and prayer!!
hughugs
David looks so good and I know you are thrilled to have him out of that hospital. I think of you so often and prayers are always with me for you two.
So glad to read your latest post, Dolores. I think of you often.
Wonderful news! It must be a relief to see David calm once again.
The picture of David with Casey is so sweet. She is such an adorable little dog and a loyal companion.
While I'm sure it must be sad for your grandsons to see their grandpa now, it sure was a nice idea to spend the time at Olive Garden enjoying his favorite foods.
You are so right about Alz. being the long goodbye. Thank God for family and friends who help ease the journey.
Keeping you in my thoughts, Dolores.
Hugs,
Kim
More changes I recognize. So glad that David is home and out of the hospital. He must have known and appreciated that on some level. How good that he enjoyed Casey. It is always great when the nursing home allows family pets in. I took my grandmother's cat to visit her several times and she loved seeing her. One time, we took Molly and she barked a little too much for my preference. I wash shushing her when a man started yelling, "There's a poodle in the house!" He searched her out and had such a good visit with a poodle he didn't even know. Come to find out, he hadn't talked for a few weeks. It made me realize that God knows and plans and Molly was supposed to be barking.
Many blessings to you and to David, your family and friends. My prayer will be for peace, too.
I do wash Molly, but not then...was I was shushing her...ha!
Dolores,
I am so glad to hear that he has been released from the hospital. Praying for continued peace for David and strength and peace for you.
Hugs,
Vikki
So pleased for you. He has lost weight. He looks so much like my father, it's amazing.
Happy that some peace has arrived in your life.
Glad to hear that he is back at "his place". When my mother-in-law had alz, I explained to my daughters as her brain was in reverse. He was unlearning all the things that he had learned as a toddler and small child. Our brains are still such areas of the unknown. Even though the illness has a name, it doesn't tell all about it.
Praying for you and David.
Beckie in Brentwood, TN
I'm glad he's back, but sorry to see that he's forgotten so much. We know how insidious this disease is. Hopefully, he will continue his peaceful process. I pray for all of you every day.
love,
your sister from another family,
barbaar
That photo of David and your friend sitting on the bed is so touching.
Please ask your care facility to have David seen by a physical therapist. My mum was ambulatory before her hospitalization but was kept in bed 5 days and totally forgot how to walk. I feel this greatly diminished her quality of life.
I'm glad he is doing a bit better - know you are. sandie
I'm so glad he has something to calm him at night. Its so heartbreaking to see them so worked up and agitated. I found when Mom was sleeping I enjoyed just looking at her, like I did my kids when they were small. The lost face she had when awake just didn't seem like her. But sleeping, looked like her. Prayers for continued strength for you D.
Hi Dolores, David looks so good, you said he is weak and cannot walk, maybe cause he was in bed at the hospital without walking. I remember how he enjoyed sweeping, hope he can do again. Love and prayers...Lu
that is great to hear...
I'm glad he's back and things have settled down a little for you.
I hope and pray things go well and you get some well deserved rest.
Your long goodbye also has so many sweet moments. You are right, the love of family and friends shown at this time in your lives is precious.
My sister has given the link to your blog to family for encouragement and enlightenment , families sharing the journey of Alzheimers with their loved ones need a place to share their sorrow, their frustrations, and see others suffer but get through this.(With grace & dignity) Thank-you Dolores.I know you'd choose not to bear this burden,or see your beloved suffer from it but you bear it well anyway.
What good news that he is back. Wonderful to hear that he is calmer now.
Take care
Jeannette
I'm happy to hear that David is back in the care facility where he is familiar to staff. That consistent compassionate care they provide is really wonderful to see. He looks happy! It's wonderful to see the love of
David's family in the pictures you've shared - thank you!
Oh good, my friend, so happy David is back finally to Alzcare after two weeks in the hospital! You must be so releived that David is in good hands and much more calmer. That wonderful staff will probably get him into walking again and it's great he's also taking naps! Your doggie is so sweet and lovable, I can see David and Casey love each other. Your grandgirl is such a sweet pretty girl. Have a good week sweet Dolores. Hugs,
FABBY
What great news! I am so glad David is back to AlzCare. I hope he gets better everyday. You are blessed with a wonderful family and caring friends....Christine
HI Dolores, I am so happy to see David again and see that he looks GOOD!!! I hope he gets some strength back but if not, it is part of the journey. YOU are amazing, in my book. BIG hugs, Pinky
Dolores,
I am so glad that David is back, and he looks wonderful. It makes it easier I am sure to visit. You are blessed with so many friends and family.
Have a beautiful day.
Karen
Post a Comment