Yesterday we visited Margaret. It was another good visit, all things considered. She did remember my name which surprised all of us. She then identified her grandaughter Gail, as Maryann. She also identified Maryann, my wife, as my daughter, but did not have a name for her. We had a great chuckle about that. One of the good signs is that Maryann does look young. lol
The staff at the facility have done a nice job in decorating for the holidays. Just about every place you look there were decorations. They even posted some of the efforts of the residents.
Maryann and Gail set about reviewing Margaret's wardrobe to insure that she had the appropriate apparel for the winter season. Interestingly enough, the top she has on in the photo above is not hers. Neither was the top and slacks she had on the previous day.
While we were visiting and taking photos one of the staff members asked if we would like a family photo. Well, how could we pass up an offer like that? So here are the results.
It was a very good visit. At times Margaret will begin to get restless and start to move around. For a person who is wheel chair bound she can sure put a lot of miles on her chair. We had been sitting in the activity room when she decided to move. We decided that it was time for us to go as well. So instead of following her I chose to go back to her room and get our coats. In doing so I had to pass her in the hallway. I did not say anything to her then or on the way back. When I passed one of the staff she told me that Margaret volunteered to the staff member that her son-in-law had just passed her. When the staff member asked for his name, Margaret could not remember the name but did repeat it was her son-in-law. What can I say? Some days I get very lucky to be remembered by such a person as Margaret. She is one of the most wonderful people I have been blessed to share time and space with. How lucky can one guy be?#42
5 comments:
ah jack, you are lucky to have such a fine family and they are lucky to have you.
Reminds me of the times I visited dad in his Aged Care facility. Especially at this time of year two years ago when his mind was just starting to go. He knew me but had begun to stop recognising others and remembering names...AND he had stopped singing. It was to be his last Christmas.
It is so nice to appreciate those who 'belong' to us.
Many fond memories to all of you!
What a happy visit for you all, with lovely photos to remember it by. Margaret certainly does look like a very sweet lady, I think she might have been blessed as well to have such caring persons for her family, the road travels both ways. Cheers Margaret
wonderful pics, jack, and story.
my grandmother went thru all the horrid phases of alzheimer's and boy was it a scary experience.
from vibrant and "lovingly whacky" 78 year old to a point so bad she was bed-ridden.
she had moments of such clear recollection it stunned us tho, even in the final phases. what was even odder is that most had her stuck in time from the early 40s. she would wander with my aunt thru the illinios and point out ice cream parlors and such with such clarity that she even spoke to the ghosts around her like they were really there.
amazing. sad. what a wonderful woman she was tho.
...
hugs to you and yours.
B
Beautiful photos of a very nice family.
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