Tonight's picture was taken in August of 2008. I remember this moment like it were yesterday. Mattie was visited by two teachers from his school, Dave and Larry. Both were coaches of the football team and Larry (on the right) was also one of Mattie's kindergarten teachers. They came over bearing gifts. A signed team ball and a signed photo of the entire team. This was when we first met Coach Dave. He and Larry supported Mattie throughout his cancer journey. They also were instrumental in the early days of the establishment of Mattie Miracle. As they volunteered countless hours at each of the Foundation's Walks in Mattie's memory.
Quote of the day: Today's coronavirus update from Johns Hopkins.
- number of people diagnosed with the virus: 5,480,487
- number of people who died from the virus: 171,679
I would say that my dad needs more cognitive challenges as dementia has greatly impacted his ability to function. In fact, in many ways it is the dementia that makes his care far more complex than his physical limitations. Dementia is not just about losing one's memory. It impacts one's personality and temperament. My dad has really no understanding of time. He constantly checks his watch and therefore, when he requests things, he wants them done instantaneously. He will keep asking for the same thing, until his request is met. Not so much of a problem, until you understand that he fires multiple requests at you, at the same time. In reality, he can be very emotionally exhausting. He frustrates easily and can lash out.
As we were talking today at lunch, he doesn't recall AT ALL being hospitalized twice. Once in May and once in June. I showed him a photo of him and me in the ER together for ten hours during the second week of June (for an impacted colon). He has no recollection of any of this.
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