I have been doing dementia research this week; not really, but it seems that way. There have been two excellent dementia awareness events near me that I attended with my family. If you know my dad at all, you know he is a bulldog. It is why he was such a successful business man. He … Continue reading Dear Friends and Family
Family
Hard Things
It has been a week of hard things. The thing we had been dreading came to pass. Moving Ray into memory care was physically exhausting as expected, but I don’t think it was because of the move itself. That part only took the movers two hours because there is very little stuff left. Each move … Continue reading Hard Things
Meltdown
I had a meltdown this week. Allow me to give you some backstory. Five or so years ago, we began caring for Bill’s dad, Ray. In that time, we have moved him 4 times, handled some very complicated legal matters, managed all his doctor and dental appointments (and the dog’s vet appointments), gotten his estate … Continue reading Meltdown
Celebrate Every Moment
I took Mom shopping this week to buy a present for Dad’s birthday, which is today, but first we had our nails done and went to dinner. We enjoy our girls’ nights when Dad goes to his support group for Dementia caregivers. This time Mom picked a different polish than she normally wears. The color … Continue reading Celebrate Every Moment
The Recipe Box: The Rolodex of the South
I was born and bred in the Deep South, which means southern traditions run deep enough in me I don’t have to think about them. They bubble out of me spontaneously. Yet, some of these rituals are changing, to the point they are in danger of becoming extinct. One of these is The Recipe Box. … Continue reading The Recipe Box: The Rolodex of the South
Choose Love
I am a bit of a romantic, always have been. I suppose you could call me a sappy sentimental. I cry at commercials, and despite the cheesy storylines, I love Hallmark movies. They are completely unrealistic, totally predictable, and border on silly, but I love them anyway. The romance of new love is all about … Continue reading Choose Love
Dot-to-dots
Do you remember dot-to-dots? For those of you who are younger, a dot-to-dot is a hidden picture which is exposed when one uses a pencil to connect numbered dots, in order. I always loved dot to dots. They were part puzzle, part mystery, and part art. On the more complicated ones, it could be difficult … Continue reading Dot-to-dots
26 Years Ago
In 1992, I had a dream. In the dream I had a newborn named William Andrew. It was so real I woke up looking for the baby. I literally asked Bill in my groggy sleepy state, “Where is the baby?” He said, “In the crib.” He of course was referring to Aaron. I said, “No, not … Continue reading 26 Years Ago
Father’s Day Tribute
As a bit of a tomboy as a child, I considered myself a Daddy’s girl. Still do. I took every opportunity to traipse through the woods with Dad. Creek walking. Fishing. Wave riding. Canoeing. Trail riding. Wildflower hunting. Jeep riding. Hiking. Camping. Bird watching. Bike riding. Rock hounding. River rafting. Tree climbing. Sliding rock swimming. … Continue reading Father’s Day Tribute
Mom
I don’t know where to start with my Mother’s Day post this year. Sometimes I think about young moms, and all the beautiful exhaustion that goes with that role. Other times I think about those who are not moms, for a myriad of reasons, and I bless them for sitting through all the Mother’s Day … Continue reading Mom