Descent into Alzheimer's Disease

I listened as a strange voice rang out from my answering machine.
“Phil, if it’s you and if you can hear me.. this is your son. I know it’s been a long time since I called. I’ll try again tomorrow. Love you.”
His voice sounded sad.... and, of course, I’m not Phil, so he had the wrong number. I hope he did call his dad the next day. We let too much time go by without staying in touch with folks we love and this should not be so. I pictured this old man who had gone months and months without even a phone call from his son. I wish I could call my dad... November 14 was the six year anniversary of his death. He had a strong, deep voice... very soothing. Even when he was sick, he never SOUNDED weak. He told me once that he didn’t think people who called him realized how sick he was because he sounded so well. It makes me sad that I’ll never hear the sound of his voice again. So, please call your parents, call your kids.... let bygones be bygones. Don’t live a life that will be full of regrets.

My sister and her girls will be joining Mom, Chris and me for Thanksgiving dinner. We’re just gonna have the usual turkey and fixin’s. I’m trying to think of a game we can all play together for a while. Scattergories, maybe. If I can find it.

I have been catching Mom taking her medicine out of her mouth after I give it to her. I’m not sure how long she’s been doing this, but it could very well be the cause of her increased irritability. I guess I’m going to have to start crushing her meds all the time. I hate to do that because she won’t always eat the spiked pudding. :-)

When I picked up Mom from overnight respite this evening, I was greeted with tales of her behavior. Apparently Mom slipped out of bed unnoticed and went into the office and moved her bowels in the floor. She had already lain back down when the ‘surprise’ was discovered and she wouldn’t allow anyone to clean her up. Then, this morning, as soon as she got up, she squatted down beside her bed preparing to tinkle in the floor. A caregiver got to her in time to stop her. Her bed is right beside of the bathroom and the light is always on in there, so I have no idea if she did this intentionally to voice her objections about being there or if she was just confused. In any case, it’s not good news.

On the brighter side, Mom was as happy as a clam when I picked her up and kept kissing everyone goodbye. We stopped on the way home and shared a banana split (yum!). That warded off her hunger long enough to allow me to cook dinner. We had a pleasant meal together. She called me Angela tonight and until she did, I didn’t realize what a long time has passed since she called me by my name. She is always asking me where Angela is and she laughs whenever I say, “I’m Angela!” She addresses Chris by his name fairly frequently, but no one else. It’s hard watching her slip away.

Psalm 116:17 I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD. .