Saturday 2 January 2010

Dad

Strange visit yesterday, in which dad has, I think, had a moment of clarity and realises that his memory has gone and is bewildered as to why this should be and why he is in this Home. He asks, quite seriously if he's had an anurism or something cerebral that has made him like this. I feel for him. Suddenly there is the realisation that something is wrong and that is why he is where he is. I wonder if it is better this way... better than feeling that he's fine and the world is conspiring against a perfectly fit and rational pensioner. However, we have a good visit, piecing together some of the things that have happened, including Christmas which he'd forgotten about already. I came away knowing that he's in the right place, but knowing that the next visit could be very different indeed.

3 comments:

motheramelia said...

Fr, Kenny, it's a very sad thing to watch someone's mind slowly disappearing, especially someone we love. I have a dear friend going through the same thing. She's still lovely to visit, but I see the confusion growing and know it's just a matter of time when the wonderful woman I know will be locked up in a failing body.

Erp said...

It is heartbreaking. You might find Elizabeth Kaeton's recent blog post worth reading.

Though she doesn't mention it in this post her brother was recently diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's.

Anonymous said...

Kenny, I am going through the very same thing with my mother. She was a teacher and very active in many local organisations. Now confused and weak.

Tragedy.