Tuesday, April 5, 2022

Tuesday, April 5, 2022 -- Mattie died 653 weeks ago today. 

Tonight's picture was taken in April of 2003, at Mattie's first birthday party. That year we only invited family and close friends. I have to say that Mattie was beyond overwhelmed that day and he and I landed up going upstairs several times to regroup. Too many people and noise for him that first year!

Quote of the day: Shallow men believe in luck. Strong men believe in cause and effect. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

It was quite the morning. I got my dad up and in the shower. While in the shower, he had the biggest bowel movement ever. According to him he did not even know he was having a bowel movement, but once he went, he was then using the hand held shower head to spray this mess around the shower. When I tell you I was dealing with a nightmare I am not kidding. Honestly the average person could not handle any of this!

I have NO IDEA why everyone around me doesn't understand that all these symptoms are dementia disease progression. After all, we are seeing my dad communicating less, sleeping more, always exhausted, having issues swallowing, and now incontinence with urine and bowel movements. To me this is the definition of late stage dementia. Or at least progressing rapidly from moderate to late stage.  

My dad had two doctor appointments today. One was with the foot doctor and the other was with the technology company that manages his pacemaker. Taking my dad from one place to another is no easy task, as his ability to move is quite limited. In any case, on top of this it was a rainy and depressing day. While at the foot doctor office, there was another older adult patient who completed her appointment when we arrived. She asked the office staff to call her ride so she could get home. Needless to say, this woman was still waiting after my dad's appointment was done. My mom commented to me that this woman was still there and yet we had our appointment and were leaving. My response was.... not everyone is lucky enough to have a Vicki. I suppose a snappy response, but truly quite accurate. 

In the midst of craziness, I bought an Easter egg dying kit. My mom and I colored Easter eggs. Since I spend SO MUCH time at home, I figured there should be pretty and cheery things around us. 

I can't remember the last time I did Easter Eggs. This wasn't something Mattie liked doing. 

I have one area in our kitchen where I like to display seasonal things. So this area is ready for spring. 

A close up of our eggs! We put stickers on them and they all look like adorable forest creatures.