This blog was formerly dedicated in 2009 to my Dad who died of Alzheimer's in 2013. It's been three years now...and I find myself missing blogging...so I am re-inventing my blog... because, after all, life is about moving through, and going forward...

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

His First Trip to Disneyland...


Yesterday my grand son Jacob turned 17 months old.  Today was his first trip to Disneyland.  Both my daughters LOVE Disneyland, and go frequently with their season passes.  

My daughter said he loved meeting all the characters and even kissed Donald Duck.  He was a bit leery of Mickey Mouse for some reason... He enjoyed the music show until the music started, then began to cry because it was so LOUD. They had front row seats, so they moved to the back, which made him a happy dancing little boy...

I think this is such a great picture and wanted to share it with everyone..

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Proud as a Peacock...

 My 9 year old grand son won 3rd prize with his Science Project showing the effects of sunlight on plants.  He earned the honor of going on to the District competition.

His brother, the 7 year old, has two lines in a play coming up.  He rested them clearly and precisely over the phone yesterday...  His big brother just finished his part in a play a month ago.

Both are starting a Read-a-thon next week, so we promised to send our donation to get them started.  Both the boys are avid readers.

Oh, how I miss them...

I am hoping my oldest daughter gets herself an iPhone so we can FACE TIME back and forth and I can see my precious boys faces more often...

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Dad is Sporting a Mohawk and Flying in Rockets...


My Sister and Mom went to visit Dad today.  They wheeled him out onto the patio so he could enjoy the sun on his face.  Dad's eye looks terrible.  My sister said it watered constantly, but did not seem to bother him.  We all doubt he can see from it very well...

He just had his nose hairs trimmed so he reported to all how much better he could breathe!  Doesn't he  look cute with his little crooked Mohawk?

I have had a heck of a time reaching Dad to talk with him...so I had asked my Sister to please call me when they got there so I could speak to him.  It was so good to hear his voice.  He sounded so happy and laughed loudly throughout our conversation.

He told me he wanted to talk to my youngest brother to make sure he would take care of his estate...

"I think I have an estate".... Dad told me...

I told him he was a very rich man in all the treasures of a Blessed man.  I told him how many loved him, how kind he was, what a good person, and how much he loved the Lord.

"Thank you dear, that's a good way to put it..."

When my Sister called our youngest brother after Dad and I finished our conversation, Dad let out a huge, loud laugh when my brother told Dad not to worry because he and my other brother K____ had it handled...  Dad was so relieved...

"I am 220 years old."

"I have traveled in several rockets to the moon these past couple of weeks..."

"I own Chicago..."

"I had to warn all the nurses to stop running in the halls, or I will have to fire them..."

Dad had a lot to tell them...

I thank God for Dad's vivid imagination.  He used to tell us the greatest stories, holding all our attention, captivated on every word...

Dad thanked me as he always does, for finding such a nice home for him.  He thanked Mom and my sister for making sure he was so well taken care of.  

My sister and Mom wheeled Dad back inside for a delicious lunch.  Dad told them he was hungry and then wanted to take a nice, long nap....

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Can You Relate?


My 84 year old Mother emailed this to me today.  We sure had a good laugh!  I can so relate to this... and it brings back bittersweet memories of Dad when he lived at home... We tried all kinds of designated areas and boxes for Dad to place his wallet, glasses, keys, but he could not even remember where the designated area was...

This video reminds us all on the importance of a sense of humor.  Especially now, in these trying times in our world, we just gotta take the time to laugh...

Sunday, February 12, 2012

First Hair Cut...


My grandson Jacob's first hair cut today...Look at that little Pirate in his skull and cross bones shirt! He looks like he is in a trance.  My daughter said he did very well and did not cry.  She texted me some other cute pics, so as soon as I get them transferred off my phone, I will post them.

Today is also my oldest brother's birthday...Happy Birthday B______.

Still trying to reach Dad...the good news is his rehab is making him stronger and the nurses are having to chase him down the hall he walks so fast!  He is so outgoing and social now, joining all the various activities...

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Thinking of Dad...


**image from Pinterest**

Hoping I can talk with Dad tomorrow... 


Friday, February 3, 2012

Bingo....

Mom went to visit Dad today...  When she arrived, "Pickles" Dad's nurse, let Mom know Dad wanted to sleep in this morning...so she let him sleep, then gave him a shower and fed him breakfast.  Dad was happy and joyful, but did not have much of an appetite for lunch because of the late breakfast...

They sat and chatted with a few other patients while Dad picked at his lunch.  The lady who spouts loud bursts of sounds, and the Captain's toothless girlfriend carried on a nice conversation with Mom.  Dad directed his attention to the loud lady, smiling and telling her politely he could not understand her and asking to repeat what she said...

Dad told Mom (the loud lady) had such an excellent memory and always gave him so many compliments... I have to give Mom credit, because the woman can be very loud and it is so distracting when I visit with Dad...Dad seems to have more patients for anyone having a difficult time...

Mom read Dad some letters and cards she had received to share news of their friends... Dad said he remembered, but Mom said she could tell he wasn't sure...

She called me so I could talk to Dad, but I had been on the phone for various phone calls and was in the middle of a conversation about my transition to Medicare (in June) with one of the health care benefits, so I asked Mom if I could call her back...  Unfortunately, when I did, she was on her way home...

Dad's hair looked really nice, his eye looked terrible, and he had his wander guard on both his wrist and is ankle.

Dad told Mom, "When we go out to the drugstore, all the children talk to me and want me to tell them stories..."

Mom complimented Dad telling him he has always been good with children...

Dad continued..." They love me so much and give me chocolate.  I love chocolate.  But their parents give me cream candy which is my most favorite..."

When Dad lived at home, he used to tell Mom all the time he could not have chocolate...he usually wanted anything but chocolate...

Dad told Mom he still is enjoying watching my sister Holl Doll on the TV.  He is convinced she is making money on TV.  Last year he told Mom he saw my brother K____ in commercials for his jewelry business... and my brother does not advertise on TV and does not have a jewelry business...  Entertaining and proof of Dad's active imagination....

Mom asked Dad what he had planned for the rest of the day and he answered he was looking forward to playing Bingo.  "Black out" was his favorite.

Mom told Dad she had some books in her car she was going to deliver to one of her friends.  Dad complimented Mom and told her how much he admired all the friends Mom had.  She told him she was a "people person".  Dad was very impressed with that phrase and told her it was an excellent way to describe her.

"Don't let me hang you up...you go ahead and take your books to your friend... I am going to play Bingo," 

Mom thanked him and gave him his kiss and hug...Mom said it was a good visit...