Once again I have been remiss in posting to this site and once again I apologise.
However, life is for living, not just writing about.
Mum’s dementia is heartbreaking in it’s ability to steadily destroy the woman I know.
Yesterday she phoned us twice with the same shopping list within fifteen minutes.
We’ve had to speak to the carers’ office to ask them to ensure that she bathes and eats full meals rahter than existing on cereals and toast. (We buy the food so know how fast it gets consumed)
She’s been prescribed iron tablets which is nothing untoward in a woman her age.
Her ECG was clear which means there isn’t a heart problem affecting her brain. It’s just demetia.
Next comes the memory clinic and possibly an MRI – there won’t be any surprises there.
She phoned us to say a folder had gone missing and blamed Gill and me for taking things from her house.
After a bit of detective work we found that she’d actually given the folder to a carer and they’d put it in their office for safekeeping. She’d forgotten this and waded in with both boots.
The tiny fragile lady who constantly sorts and resorts an array of remote controls (most of them defunct) is a far cry from the woman who raised me and my brothers.
On other fronts (life does feel like a battle sometimes) Gill’s American Uncle in Texas is soon to pass. He’s touching ninety and has a wonderful life. We’re in touch with their daughter who’s told us his time is near. His wife has Alzeimers so this will be difficult for her – BOY do we know that.
We have a Sweet 16 and an 18th within a week of each other – I know, I know, “bad planning” on our part.
Gill is a whirlwind of party invites, menus and venues and has it all in hand.
I had a fall in the garden – my fault. Stepped on the corner of an edging stone and went over like a tree falling onto stone flags. I landed flat so just have a few bruises on my shoulder, hip and forearm: luckily no breaks. Oopsy.
The joy of raising two teens continues unabated and is mingled with pride as improvement and achievement go hand in hand..
Heather is getting offers from Universities – conditional places hinging on her results this year.
Jodie is becoming quite the artist, as is little Cerys in her own way.
Cerys is carrying with the drama course we found for her and loving it. Much of it seems to be improvisation and this is showing in her level of confidence, character and the way she interacts with the family.
Ashley continues to charm his way with the ladies, steadily increasing his legion of fans. His mobility is good and his enuciation improves all the time. That kid’s a tryer!
Gill and I are solid though I fear for her mental well being. Little clues are there everyday. Her interest in cooking is a bit obsessive with far too much being produced – I seem to live off of leftovers these days. It’s GOOD EATING though so at elast it’s productive. We now have more spices and cooking gadgets in our kitchen than many local chefs.
She continues to sleep downstairs and despite reassurances to the contrary I feel like I’ve done something wrong. I enquire gently from time to time if there’s a reason for her doing so but she can’t articulate it. Her doctor cum therapist is monitoring her and she’s medicated. The overall picture is on the good side though so for now I’m minded to just let it go.
Mum’s settled care and the family doing well overall mean my sleep patterns are improving too. I’ve convinced the girls and Gill to wear Fitbits to monitor their daily steps and this is proving to be jolly.
So overall things ain’t that bad. I will continue to post on the blog and as always, welcome your contributions.
Xx
