Tag Archives: Caregiver Journal
Ten Years Ago – Preparing to Hike the ADT
Ten years ago, on May 25th, Cindy and I started our 5,000 mile, year long hike along the American Discovery Trail. At the time my blog posts kept Cindy’s cognitive decline private, focusing instead on observing and sharing tales of … Continue reading
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Tagged American Discovery Trail, Caregiver Journal
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The Routine of Tiny Perfect Things
I know that the novel and movie “The Notebook” contains elements similar to my experience with Cindy. A man refers to a notebook to remind a woman with dementia of their shared past and love. The symphonic slideshow I rehearse … Continue reading
Ten Years After
This was a morning when Cindy’s underpad needed to be changed at the start of her day. As is the routine for when this happens I pick Cindy up in my arms and sit down in the neighboring chair with … Continue reading
All in the Eyes
After feeding the cats I return to our “bedroom” to start Cindy’s day. If her eyes are closed, droopy or alert I go about my normal routine. On this day her eyes are fixed on the ceiling in a vacant … Continue reading
Mind over Matter
“Mind over matter.” That declaration by Cindy echoed in my mind as I pushed her in the stroller to an outdoor wedding, 3.5 miles from our home. We had planned to jog to this event for months. Lindy the bride … Continue reading
Best Laid Plans
We were looking to carry on a new tradition this year on the date of our anniversary, September 19. Last year on that date I took Cindy to the top of Dennis Hill in the adult stroller. Our daughter Charissa … Continue reading
My Caregiver Dilemma
As I gave Cindy her first hug of the day, claiming instead she was giving me a hug, I asked her the usual question: “Did you sleep OK.” Back when Cindy could answer she always said “yes” even though I … Continue reading
Modes of Affection
As a citizen from the land of steady habits, I call up the same type of music for each day of the week while I do the early morning chores. On Saturdays I call for the children’s music we played … Continue reading
Empathy and Resurrection
After changing Cindy and going through her physical therapy I put her “dancing shoes” on and swing her legs out of the bed. Her “dancing shoes” are a pair of sandals with rubber soles gripping the floor. Her sandals are … Continue reading
Yes, No and Uh-huh
“Are you hungry?” I asked before leaving our “bedroom” to make breakfast. “Yes,” she replied in her barely audible manner these days. Cindy responds to a question occasionally, though not very often. In fact, she infrequently makes any verbal sounds … Continue reading