Alexandra wrote: 
This is a wonderful story, and it's so good to read it. Some days I just feel so bruised by what's happening to Dad- and through him, to us- and it's really nice to read about positive things like this. Thanks, Alex.

 Alexandra wrote: 
  respect.

 Leslie wrote: 
Thank you, Leslie. After all of her years of care for me, it was pretty rewarding to give some of that back. (As difficult as it could be, sometimes) 

 Alexandra wrote: 
You did a great job, Alexandra. Your mom is really lucky to have you.

 oldviolin wrote: 

 Alexandra wrote: 

My mom can still shower (and all other bathroom stuff) by herself. It wears her out, but she can do it, and do it well. And then we dry/style her hair. She goes to bed with a smile. She trusts that these strangers who walk into her home everyday are supposed to be there, and working in her best interest. Her demeanor is always good (no depression). 
 
She still remembers a lot - like, that my brother is divorced and lives alone now. And his former wife moved out west. She remembers that my other brother is dead, and that his wife has remarried. She gracefully accepts the fact that she won't be attending any out-of-town family weddings anymore and that the grandchildren will understand.
 
Fresh flowers in a vase in the sunlight coming through the window make her day. Every day, they seem like they were placed there anew.
 
Her dementia hasn't gotten any worse in the last two years. She is still strong and healthy (just like her Italian father), albeit a little fragile when she has to walk long distances.
 
Next month she will turn 89. I won't be here for her birthday. But damn it.....I sure did make her nest nice and cozy and organized for the changing of the guard. And I'm glad for it.

 bokey wrote: 
I know how it is. Been taking care of mom for the last 9 years 24/7 and she hates not being independent. She uses the walker, but only when I'm around. And I use the walker/seat as a wheel chair to get her in and out of stores and restaurants.

 bokey wrote: 
Losing one's independence can be a very scary business.

 GeneP59 wrote: 
  I'm happy with the staff there. Christ, I don't even know offhand how many places I've seen, but they aren't bad.

 He has been on a walker  at home 100% of the time for years.

 He doesn't have one in reach there, he just tried to test the limits of the universe and was smacked down but a solar flare called life.

He wasn't supposed to be going to the bathroom by himself, and he knows that, but still did it.   That's scarier than the fall.

  

 bokey wrote: 
Sorry to hear that. Isn't anybody watching the patients? Would it help to have him use a walker?

 bokey wrote: 
Sorry, A.

 bokey wrote: 
Sorry, man.

bokey - I guess the one good thing is that your respite continues—I hope you're getting to do a lot of vital things you usually don't have time for. And I hope your dad gets some rapid healing.

Slabby - that is awesome. I hope it's a really great time.

 oldslabsides wrote: 
Oh, yay!!

 bokey wrote: 
Oh, no.

 oldslabsides wrote: 
Nice! Have a great time, and many more happy years with your parents.

My brothers and I (thanks to P coming up with the idea) are throwing a get together for mom & dad this Sunday - it's their 60th anniversary and both of them turn 80 this year.  Thankfully, they're doing okay living on their own so far.

 bokey wrote: 

 bokey wrote: 

crap.