Plan Now Part 2....

When I finally found a way to share what I was really trying to say - with persistent thoughts and documentation....

Then that medical team worked so very hard to help me find a way to truly help my dad.

They considered things that I suggested - they consulted with specialists - and they gave my dad a chance to really get physically better.  We are incredibly blessed in Graham, Texas to have wonderful doctors, nurses, therapists, aides, and an amazing hospital.

I realize that my dad cannot balance his checkbook anymore - I realize that he may not remember how to be a school superintendent, or even how to grow tomatoes.  But he is pretty good about telling us what he knows - actually if he doesn't know - he will admit that.  The other day a former student of my dad's wrote me a message to tell him.  She said - tell your dad I still drive like he taught me..... fast.

I asked dad if he remembered Robin - He said "certainly" and then I told him the story and he just laughed.  If he knew you a while back - I suspect he will still know you.

And if he knew way back.......... He still knows.

That was the prayer tonight -

He always taught me about Jesus' love and today he continued.



I suspect I will quit writing about this journey with my dad at some point in time.... I need to tell you about my unbelievable mother who has more energy and more creative ideas than I have ever had.  Most importantly she shows me daily what it means to love your husband - she and my dad are truly a match made in heaven.  What a blessing they are - that love that they have for each other - they know that because of His love.  

At the end of "our stay" at Health South in January

Ooops - I forgot to take off the neck brace.  

He had to use the brace when he was real tired while at Health South.  

Me with my parents - my dad's 80th birthday - December 17, 2013.

Have I told you that I was his birthday present?  I was born on November 28 and

they picked me up from Hope Cottage on his birthday in 1964.  

Always, May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13:14.

Plan Now

I have decided that the medical profession knows very little about dementia.  I am not trying to be disrespectful but it truly must be the most confusing illness that we have to encounter.  I have found many times that people will lump everything that happens to a diagnosed dementia patient as some dementia related effect.

I have also found that when they do that they are simply saying that they do not want to take the time involved to figure out what is really going on.

That's harsh.  I know.  But it is very much a reality.  And before I continue with the real purpose of this blog entry.  PLEASE if you are caring for a loved one with dementia - always check for other medical conditions when their behavior changes.  And let me go one step further - call me if you want some help - I will fight with you.

Okay - that is enough of that soapbox for now.....

It is all about knowing - what we know we do remember.  If we consider that statement in relationship to our growing up years we can easily agree.  Riding a bicycle, reading, counting, numerous other activities that we develop over time.

But it was yesterday evening that I realized just how important knowing is.

My parents 2/15/14.  Happily  married since 1957. 

I suspect - even though they haven't told me - that every bedtime since that June 1, 1957 they have said a prayer together.  I additionally suspect that my dad led that prayer.

Last night - I prayed for him as I tucked him in and asked if he wanted to say a prayer.

That's what he remembered - that is what he has known.

If I grow old and find that I don't always remember all that I might want to remember (okay I am not counting those happenings yet!)....

I certainly do want to remember what I have known and quite frankly what he taught me.

Yesterday evening caused me to stop and think....

What practices do I have that I will carry with me into my latter years?

What do my boys know about what I believe - who I trust - who I thank? 

Have I been thankful to that Mom & Dad for showing me His way?

Oh and one more....

This week I walked up to my dad while he was eating breakfast.  He pointed at me - while looking at a friend he was eating with and said....(for the first time in some many months...)

What he knows.... he's remembering.  I know it won't last forever (and yes even those they same people think I am in denial - I am not - I understand) - but for now I am -

Always, May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13:14.