My brother in Ohio called Mom, he wants to be included in the family meeting on Dad in CA via conference call on our cell phones...

Mom went to visit Dad today...She arrived to find Pickles taking Dad into the shower.... While Mom waited, she spoke to Doctor-Doctor and two other nurses asking if they had noticed any difference with Dad since being removed from the Lexapro.  No one noticed any difference but assured her they would keep a close eye on him...

When Dad and Pickles emerged from the shower room, Dad looked fresh and happy.  Pickles asked Dad to look in Mom's direction to see who was here to visit him...Dad said, "It's probably Lynny..." and gave Mom a big smile as he saw her...

While Dad was preoccupied flirting with some nurses walking past, Mom asked Pickles if she had noticed any different in Dad's demeanor since being taken off the Lexapro...(really it is too soon...it may take another couple of weeks to get out of Dad's system...)  She told Mom she had not noticed anything, but would keep watch him closely.  She mentioned to Mom the Psychiatrist had removed another patient off Lexapro, but she was crabby on it or off... 

It was almost time for lunch and "Blondie" (another nickname bestowed by Dad to one of his nurses) was taking care of Dad, and got Dad situated at a lunch table. She parked Dad next to a lady Mom had never seen before, but Dad told Mom how glad he was sitting with her because he really loved her...

Before Pickles left, she told Mom she would give Dad his shave after lunch or his nap, depending on how Dad felt... As soon as his tray was set in front of Dad, he ate every speck of lunch: barbecued beef on a bun, baked beans, fruit salad with little marshmellows, lime sherbert (which he smacked his lips over), 2 cups of coffee and two glasses of milk. 

Mom suggested they go on the patio since it was such a nice day.  Dad agreed.  She parked his wheelchair so the sun was shining on his back and Dad told Mom how much he loved the feel of the warm sun on his back...

The following are notes Mom took from their disjointed conversation on the patio"

"Donna & Jerry are getting new carpeting soon..."

"Is it in their Covina home?"  (Mom reminded him we lived in Nevada...)

 "Jerry's youngest son, Brian, enlisted in the Marine Corps..."

Smiling, Dad said, "They are the best.  They all line up and the building is made of redwood.  I feel protected with my shirt..."

"The breeze and the sun feel so good..."

" I was just dreaming, everything's perfect and the sun feels so good."

"The Angels aren't doing so good and Cleveland in first place"....

 "It is a beautiful bowl and I hope the boys can go to the games." 

" A_______ (their grand daughter) is doing well in school and likes her new job.  She is preparing for the 26.2 marathon next month..."

" Every time I go to Covina I go to the ambulance cause it's all shiney and new, and I ride with them.  They know what we have here and they stick to it very good."

"E_____ had to put his golden lab, Hunter down..."

(Dad used to feed my brother's dogs when he went away on business trips or vacations) "That is too bad...but it was bound to happen..."

"When I called down there to reach him usually all I get is a phone book and I don't get much information from him.  As far as doing something about it he doesn't do it.  And away we go."

" Watching TV I saw pictures where they were opening up buildings to find stuff.....it was Holly (my sister) & Donna.  As far as Donna and Holly are concerned, they're the best.  They grew up together then when they did decide something to do, it was something they were both good at .  The boys tried.  They're always in the picture.  Well, naturally if they're looking at today, the outside of the building looks well.  Curtains pulled back tells me they are watching me...."

"It's clean and fresh and thank the Lord for that (grateful for the nursing home) and the weather and you..." (meaning Mom).

"Don, the sun has moved, shall I move you so the sun is on your back again?" 

"I never noticed. When the sun goes down and it cools off I usually go in when it's like this and I weather it out..."

"I watched the Angels hitting balls" -

"Do you mean batting practice?"

"My attention is on the ones we keep in touch with.  I hear the motors of the police; they come real slow and park in the middle of the turntable......if they break loose and start the passion of turning they are using the government.  It looks so nice but they realize what they are doing.  I love to watch the children."

Dad closed his eyes....so Mom suggested they go back inside.  

"That's a good idea..."

Blondie joined Mom and Dad and asked Dad if he would like to go to the recreation room for some fun and excitement... Dad nodded his approval and scooted forward to get going...he told Mom to be careful driving home...

As Mom kissed him good-bye, she told Dad I would be coming to see him in a couple of weeks because I was coming out for my sister's birthday and Mother's Day...

Dad smiled...and hugged her in return...

I can't remember the last time I spoke with Dad over the phone...so much has been going on and time seems to be flying by...almost half the year is gone...

Some times I find myself thinking back, before Dad was in the nursing home, replaying conversations we shared... In doing that, I feel closer and feel like I have talked with Dad....but I haven't...some days I feel guilty I have not called...but after reading Mom's email...at least right now...I think I am safer remembering the good times...

It is so difficult to read Mom's notes and realize Dad is starting to forget appropriate words...his brain recollection is misfiring and obscure words and thoughts fill his sentences...

Oh Dad...I love you so much...and one of the Blessings of this disease is that you do not realize your situation...you bask in the attention and excellent care you receive...getting your needs met, regular food, daily showers, clean clothes, and lots and lots of love and company... everything in your world is moment to moment...the stress and burdens of caring for your home, bills, yard, and remembering to do various things and chores are erased from your consciousness....

God Bless and keep you Dad...