Got it! - Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia Message Board

Martha H · 04-10-2005, 09:47 AM

Hi Gals.

I got my 3 hours off, went straight to Central Park (4 subway stops from here) walked right to the many stands where souvenirs are sold and got a great picture. Actually an enlarged photograph, not of the park in Autumn but in early spring. It shows the domed bridge over the lake near 59th Street and the surrounding trees are just beginnng to bud ..it is lovely..and since I am planning to decorate in blues and greens this color fits in with my plans too.

It was also much cheaper ..and I am very happy. I got back to this neighborhood with enough time left to go and stuff myself on blueberry pancakes: well, everyone says blueberries are good for the eyes, so this isn't really a luxury ...

Mom just returned and I'm warming up her leftovers from yesterday's lunch at the pub. She refused to wear the depends today again. I am not pushing it, it is not worth the fuss.

Love,

Martha

BarbaraH · 04-10-2005, 10:11 AM

Excellent!!!!!!!!!!!!! The picture of Central Park in spring sounds lovely and a sale price is a bonus. Doesn't looking at that picture make freedom and feathering your own nest feel so must closer?!

Glad you had some refreshing time to yourself to do things you enjoy. Blueberries - yum!!!

Shrea, shrea....

Hugs and blessings - Barbara

LuvMyLilDoggie · 04-10-2005, 11:12 AM

Doesn't it feel GREAT to have time to yourself and also treat yourself to something that tastes good and something that will give you joy for years to come? I am so happy for you!

The depends thing...maybe she'll come around soon. Just a little suggestion here and there may do it. I think you're right not to push the issue. I have no problem using them myself when I have bronchtis because I get such an awful cough that I can't help but pee my pants. It's terrible. But if I had to wear them every day, I might feel differently.

I think my grandma summed it up perfectly when grandpa got really bad with alzheimer's. When approached with the idea of making grandpa wear depends she said "If he chooses to, that's fine. But until then, that's the only thing in his life he thinks he has control over. I'm not going to take that away from him."

Love, Barb

Martha H · 04-10-2005, 11:29 AM

Your grandmother was a wise woman.

My son in Germany called this morning. His advice to me was, "Since you can't have an intelligent conversation with Grandma any more, just listen and answer as you would to a small child. Don't even try to correct her misunderstandings." I know I have to learn this lesson, but I can't seem to do it!

At lunch I told Mom: "I understand Elsie is coming to NY for her 50th anniversary of her High School graduation. Do you think Jack will come too?" (actually wondering if she will even bother stopping in here while in NYC.)

Mom says,"Oh yes. Jack will come. He wants to see New York. HE WAS NEVER IN NEW YORK."

Jack and Elsie were both born and raised in NYC, went to City College where they met at age 18, got married here, and had the first 2 childlren here. His Mom lived in Queens not too far from here until she died a few years ago. His brother in law lives here. His sister died here a couple of years ago. Jack never in New York?

How do I answer that? Of course I said "Jack was born in NY! Remember the house in Richmond Hill? Remember he and Elsie met at college?"

"Oh, that's right. I was thinking of D...," (Jenny's husband.) ARGH! D was also in NY several times, visited Mom here, visited me here ..was here in October.

Better give up. Actually she did mean Jack and FORGOT that he is a native New Yorker!!

Love,

Martha

LuvMyLilDoggie · 04-10-2005, 12:46 PM

I have to remember that all the time. Dad mixes up things like when he last saw his sisters. It was about two months ago but he thinks he hasn't seen them in years.

I'm going to try the shower thing on him again tomorrow. I would do it today but I have to go to work soon and it's just not worth it risking a huge explosion before I go. I'm home all day tomorrow so I'll deal with that then.

Love, Barb